Aviation Systems - Vocational Academy
Opportunities in the North West
The North West is the largest single centre of aerospace manufacturing and production in the UK and accounts for one third of UK aerospace output. Currently there is a shortage of qualified aerospace engineers so if this is the career for you, you couldn’t find yourself in a better location. In recent years, the airline industry has gone through turbulent times and so the competition for jobs is intense. However, opportunities are still out there and when the industry picks up again, Blackpool – now a Premiership Football town with one of the region’s three international airports – will be ideally placed to get in on the action.
What course should you do
Entry Level/Level 1
If you have not completed a GCSE programme
Level 2
If you have 4 GCSEs at grade D or above
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aviation Environment Studies
- Ground Operations
- Airport Customer Service Check-in
- Air Cabin Crew – Introductory Diploma
Level 3
If you have the relevant Level 2 qualification
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aviation Environment Studies
- Ground Operations
- Airport Customer Service Check-in
- Air Cabin Crew – Introductory Diploma
Career Low-Down
| Career Area | What they do | How much they earn | What you need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | Research, design and manufacture new aircraft and space vehicles. Also maintain and improve existing aircraft. May specialise in a particular area. | From £20,000 to £50,000 per year. | Usually a degree although others work their way up through the Apprenticeship scheme. |
| Air Cabin Crew | Ensure passengers have a comfortable and pleasant journey, from arrival at the airport until journey’s end. Also play a major role in passenger safety. | £12,000 to £16,000 when newly qualified, to more than £25,000 a year for senior air cabin crew. | A relevant level 3 qualification. |
| Airport Baggage Handler | Responsible for safety and quickly loading, unloading and transporting airline passengers’ luggage. | From £14,000 up to £22,500 a year for team leaders. | A relevant level 3 qualification will give you an advantage over other applicants. |
Meet the learner
Name: Nathan Slack
Age: 19
High school: Hodgson
Course: Aeronautical Engineering Apprenticeship
Why College?
I did my high school work experience at West Air and loved it. I found out that the College was introducing Aeronautical courses and signed up onto the very first programme.
What’s best?
The tutors are just so knowledgeable – you can learn as much talking to them as you can in a full day of studying.
What’s it like?
On a typical day at work I’ll be carrying out 50 or 100 hour service checks on light aircraft. If you get into line maintenance on commercial aircraft you can work anywhere in the world.
What’s next?
Working full-time for Silverstar Maintenance Services, who’ve been really supportive and invested in my training. Ultimately I’d like to work on fighter jets at BAE in Warton.
To find out more about Vocational study at Blackpool and The Fylde College, please visit our
Vocational Academy Section
