Aviation movement specialist
Level 3 · AdvancedTransport and logistics 1.5 yr typical
About this apprenticeship
What it involves
The Aviation Movement Specialist apprenticeship focuses on the safe coordination and control of aircraft and vehicles on the airfield, often working in apron control or airside operations. Apprentices learn to manage the flow of traffic on the ground to prevent incidents and keep flights on time. It can lead to senior airfield operations or airfield management roles.
On the job
What you’ll learn
Airfield layout, markings, signs and lighting
Apron and airside vehicle movement rules
Bird and wildlife hazard management
Runway inspections and foreign object debris checks
Coordination with air traffic control and airline teams
Emergency and abnormal operations procedures
Relevant civil aviation regulations and aerodrome standards
On the job
What you’ll do day to day
Coordinate vehicle and aircraft movement on the apron
Conduct routine airfield and runway inspections
Carry out foreign object debris sweeps on runways and taxiways
Liaise with air traffic control to report airfield conditions
Respond to wildlife strikes and manage birdscaring operations
Monitor compliance with airside driving permits
Record movement incidents and complete safety logs
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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