Customer services

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:

• Level 2 or 3 Diploma in Customer Service
• Level 3 Diploma in Aviation Operations
• Level 3 Diploma in Travel and Tourism

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
• search for courses|/find-a-course

Apprenticeship

You can get into this job through:

• an Aviation customer service operative intermediate apprenticeship
• a Customer service practitioner intermediate apprenticeship
• an Aviation ground specialist advanced apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Direct application

When applying directly for jobs, most employers will expect you to have some GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in subjects like English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

Requirements and restrictions

You'll need to:

• You may find it useful if you can speak a second language for some jobs.
• Some employers may prefer you to live near the airport or have your own transport. This is because shifts may be at times when public transport is limited.
• pass security checks

More information

Career tips

You may find it useful to have experience of working in a customer service role.

Further information

You can find out more information on working in the aviation industry from the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport UK.

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With experience, you could progress to a supervisory role, or a management position like flight dispatcher.

You could also move into other areas of airport operations, or train to become a cabin crew member.

You can get more advice about jobs in the passenger transport and travel industries from Careers That Move.