What’s it like working in Aviation

At our Aviation Academy we offer courses that lead to careers in aircraft design and manufacture, or in ground staff and air cabin crew operations.

Courses

• Aeronautical Engineering (City & Guilds Levels 2 and 3)
• Aeronautical Engineering Apprenticeship
• Air Cabin Crew (NCFE Level 2 Certificate) studied alongside our Travel and Tourism Diplomas

What sorts of jobs are there?

Aerospace engineers research, design and manufacture new aircraft and space vehicles. They also maintain and improve existing aircraft. Some engineers choose to specialise in one particular aspect, like thermodynamics.

Engineers normally work 37 to 40 hours a week. There may also be some travel involved. The career opportunities in the North West, and internationally, are especially good as there is currently a shortage of qualified aerospace engineers.

Aerospace engineers should have a logical approach to solving problems, have good numeracy and computing skills, be able to read and interpret diagrams and drawings and work well with others.

Air cabin crew are the representatives of an airline who look after its passengers. They are responsible for passengers having a comfortable and pleasant journey, from the time they arrive at the airport until they leave at the end of their journey. They also play a critical role in passenger safety. They should have a confident, friendly and calm manner and be able to deal well with difficult situations. In this industry, good communication skills and a helpful attitude are important.

Air cabin crew work irregular hours to fit in with flight schedules, and may have to stay away from home frequently, but if you love travel this is an ideal career. Work patterns can be as flexible as two weeks on, and two weeks off.

Competition for jobs is intense, but there are regular opportunities. Cabin crew may be promoted to purser (taking responsibility for the operations and staff in an aircraft’s cabin) or into training, flight management and ground-based employment.

An airport baggage handler is responsible for safely and quickly loading, unloading and transporting airline passengers’ luggage. This may involve using lifting equipment, driving a baggage truck, or operating a conveyor belt.

An airport baggage handler usually works around 37 to 40 hours a week, including some evenings, weekends and bank holidays. They need to be physically fit, enjoy teamwork and be able to work quickly and accurately.

What about an Aeronautical Engineering Apprenticeship?

With the expansion of Blackpool International Airport, it’s an exciting time to begin a career in Aeronautical Engineering. As an Apprentice, you will carry out a range of duties concerned with the routine servicing and maintenance of aircraft, learning all about this fascinating branch of engineering.

The great thing about an Apprenticeship is that you’ll be earning money in a real job and working towards recognised qualifications at the same time. Most of your time will be spent learning in the workplace but you’ll also spend a small amount of time in College. Training normally takes 2 years.

To apply you need to be in employment already but if you’re unemployed we may be able to help you find a suitable position. You’ll also ideally need four GCSEs, grades A* - D, including Maths and English.

If you’d like more information first, or to order a prospectus, contact the Apprenticeship Team on:
Tel: 01253 504313
Email: apprenticeships@blackpool.ac.uk
Website www.blackpool.ac.uk/apprenticeships.
To apply fill in an application form within the prospectus or download it from here

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