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Airport baggage handler

Alternative titles for this job include Airline baggage handler, cargo handler, ramp hand

Airport baggage handlers load and unload luggage and cargo from aircraft.

Average salary (a year)

£15,000 Starter

to

£28,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

44 to 46 a week

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become an airport baggage handler

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.

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

More Information

Apprenticeship

You could train for this role through an intermediate apprenticeship as an aviation ground operative or an aviation ground handler.

This will usually take 12 months to complete. You'll do on-the-job training and spend time at a college or training provider.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

  • some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

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.

More Information

Career tips

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.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

  • customer service skills
  • physical skills like movement, coordination and dexterity
  • patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • the ability to work well with others
  • the ability to work on your own
  • knowledge of public safety and security
  • the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
  • excellent verbal communication skills
  • to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

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.

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

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

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

Career path and progression

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.

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

Airline Operations Apprentice 2024

  • Wage: £20,300.00 Annually
  • Location: Fleming Way, Crawley, West Sussex

RAF Mover - Full Time Career with Apprenticeship

  • Wage: £21,091.00 Annually
  • Location: Not known

Courses In England

Aviation Environment Diploma 2

  • Provider: The Manchester College
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: Manchester

Diploma in Aviation Environment

  • Provider: NORTH WARWICKSHIRE AND SOUTH LEICESTERSHIRE COLLEGE
  • Start date: 01 September 2024
  • Location: NUNEATON

Jobs In the United Kingdom

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