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Airport baggage handler apprenticeships

Logistics and Supply Chain | Transport

Airport baggage handler apprenticeships - where to start

You can get into this job through
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • applying directly

    • College
    You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include the Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Aviation Environment. You'll usually need 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a Level 2 course.


    Apprenticeship
    You could train for this role through a Level 2 apprenticeship as a aviation ground operative. This will usually take 12 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

    You'll usually need some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for a Level 2 apprenticeship. 

    Direct Application
    There are no specific entry requirements but some employers may prefer you to have a few GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), particularly in maths and English. Experience of warehouse work and an LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) or forklift truck licence could be helpful when applying directly for this role. Seasonal work may be available, with large increases in the number of travellers in busy holiday periods. Jobs may be advertised on the websites of airport authorities and agencies, recruitment agencies and in local newspapers.

    Airport baggage handler apprenticeships - what it takes

    Skills and knowledge

    You'll need: 

    • customer service skills 
    • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations 
    • the ability to work well with others
    • sensitivity and understanding 
    • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure 
    • excellent verbal communication skills
    • the ability to work on your own 
    • a desire to help people 
    • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device
    Restrictions and Requirements
    You'll need to:

    • pass security checks
    • be over 18 years of age 
    • pass a medical check
    • pass enhanced background checks
    You may need your own transport to get to and from the airport, as public transport may not cover all of your shift times. Some jobs ask for a full UK driving licence.

    Airport baggage handler apprenticeships - what you'll do

    Day-to-day tasks

    You could: 

    • transfer luggage from check-in areas to departure areas 
    • make sure luggage gets onto the right plane 
    • move luggage to and from aircraft holds using trucks, cargo loaders and conveyor systems
    • store cargo in warehouses 
    • load luggage onto conveyors in the arrivals hall 
    • report baggage that's damaged or suspicious
    Working environment
    You could work on an aircraft, at an airport or in a warehouse. Your working environment may be outdoors in all weathers.

    Career path and progression - Airport baggage handler apprenticeships

    With experience, you could work as a 'lead ramp hand', lining up planes ready for the next flight. You could also train staff on equipment and procedures. You could move into supervisory management or passenger handling operations.

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    Considering an Apprenticeship?

    There are lots of benefits to apprenticeships, here are our top 5:

    • Paid Training
      Not only will your organisation (or the Government) pay for all of your training, but you’ll be paid to do it. That means you could actually get paid to get your degree and have no debt!
    • Range of career opportunities
      There are over 625 different apprenticeships to choose from, in a range of industries. Whether you’re interested in law, marketing, construction or engineering, you’ll find something up your street!
    • Earn & learn
      As an apprentice, the minimum you’ll earn is £6.20 an hour, but we’ve seen apprentices earn a starting salary of up to £30,000 a year! You could also get other employee benefits like gym memberships, paid holiday and sick pay.
    • Great career prospects
      Employers think apprentices are 15% more employable than those with other qualifications. In fact, many large employers train their graduates and apprentices together!
    • Learn on the job
      There’s only so much you can learn when you just do a qualification. As an apprentice, you’ll also get to learn on the job - whether that’s designing amazing graphics, chopping vegetables or building engines!

    Start searching for Apprenticeships Near You

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