Aviation ground specialist
Level 3 · AdvancedTransport and logistics 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Aviation Ground Specialist apprenticeship trains you to work airside at airports, keeping aircraft operations safe and on schedule. Apprentices handle aircraft marshalling, ground support equipment, and passenger and cargo handling. It can lead to supervisory roles in ground operations or specialist roles in airline and airport services.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Airside safety rules and hazard awareness
Aircraft marshalling and manoeuvring signals
Loading, weight and balance principles
Dangerous goods regulations for air freight
Ground support equipment operation and checks
Passenger and baggage handling procedures
Emergency and security response protocols
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Marshal aircraft onto and off the stand safely
Operate ground support equipment such as tugs and steps
Load and unload baggage and cargo to weight limits
Check aircraft holds and secure loads correctly
Assist passengers with boarding and disembarkation
Complete safety checks before and after each turnaround
Communicate with the flight deck and control tower
The deal
How this apprenticeship works
You earn a wage from day one. You are a paid employee, not a student. There are no tuition fees - the training is funded by your employer and the government.
About 20% is “off-the-job” training. Roughly a day a week is spent learning away from your normal duties - at a college, training provider, or online - working towards a recognised qualification.
It ends with an end-point assessment (EPA). Near the end, an independent assessor checks you can do the job to the national standard - through tests, a project, a portfolio or an interview. Pass it and you are fully qualified.
How to get there
What you need to start
Level 3 (Advanced) - roughly A-level level. Employers usually look for some GCSEs (often English & maths around grade 4/C) or a Level 2 apprenticeship first. English & maths can sometimes be finished during training.
What’s next: Can lead to a Level 4/5 (Higher) apprenticeship, or straight into the role.
Entry requirements are set by each employer and can vary - always check the specific vacancy.
Hear from employers
What it’s really like
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