Entry Requirements:

Minimum 5 GCSEs at grades 3-9. Interview and reference.

You must have an employer before you begin this course.

What's it all about?:

Airside operators are the ‘eyes and ears’ of the airfield team, and spend much of their working day or night out on the airfield patrolling, inspecting and then addressing situations to ensure that the flow of arriving and departing aircraft are on schedule. Although every airport is slightly different, the role covers a multitude of tasks including area inspections; patrolling the perimeter fence around the airport; monitoring bird activity and clearing wildlife using specialist vehicles and equipment; monitoring aircraft turnarounds and marshalling. The airside operator works in a high risk, safety critical environment requiring excellent communication, prioritising, effective decision making, problem solving and technical skills. The role requires a keen sense of situational awareness and the need to work safely to minimise incidents and accidents. This qualification is supported by the Civil Aviation Authority.

What will I do?:

The course covers the essential Skills, knowledge and behaviours required across 13 key areas. These include:

• Technical Operations
• Safety
• Business
• Environment
• Leadership
• Contingency Planning
• The Customer

Final End Point Assessment involves a combination of a 1 hr examination, 2 Observations and a professional discussion. Learners must pass all 3 elements to complete the apprenticeship.

You will also be expected to collate a portfolio of evidence throughout the apprenticeship.

This qualification is graded Pass/Fail

What can I do next?:

On successful completion of this qualification learners can progress to a supervisory position within the workplace or progress to a higher level apprenticeship as an Aviation Ground Specialist.

Careers:

The Aviation industry offers many exciting career opportunities and we provide clear pathways to a successful career. This qualification is the first stepping stone towards a number of exciting and sustainable careers within the aviation industry and many other businesses.   Example job roles include flight operations, aircraft ramp handler, Flight dispatcher, ground handling agent and many more. Further study and experience can lead you to becoming a Ground Operations Manager, Team Leader or an Operations Co-ordinator.

Additional Info:

Apprenticeship Standards are assessed through independent end point assessors. Your role as an apprentice may vary depending on your employer. Learners that have not yet achieved a minimum of grade 2 or E in GCSE English or Maths will be required to complete a Level 1 functional skill qualification.

Successful completion of the apprenticeship will provide learners with a National Certificate for Airside Operators (NCAO).

Got a job?:

How to Apply:

Call 01279 868100 and chat with one our friendly Admissions team or ask us a question