Entry Requirements:

Level 3 Extended Diploma - A minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths at Grade 4 or above.

Level 3 Diploma – A minimum 5 of GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English or Maths at Grade 4. *

*If you have not yet achieved a Grade 4 or above in GCSE English or Maths, you will be required to continue developing your skills in these subjects throughout the programme until you achieve the required standard.

What's it all about?:

With London Stansted Airport continuing to expand, there is growing demand for skilled workers across a range of aviation roles, particularly in flight and ground operations.

This qualification is designed to provide learners with the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to work within the aviation industry. You will gain an in-depth understanding of how the aviation sector operates, explore a wide range of career opportunities and develop valuable transferable skills relevant to the industry. Successful completion of the qualification can support progression into employment, apprenticeships, higher-level study or university.

How long is the course?:

2 years

How much does it cost?:

Additional course costs of approx. £150 a year will apply. This will cover the cost of educational visits, textbooks, guest speakers etc.

There is a range of financial support available that you may be eligible for, including learner support funds, grants, bursaries and employer support.

What will I do?:

Throughout the course, you will study a range of industry-focused units designed to develop your understanding of aviation, customer service, and airport operations, including:

• The UK Travel and Tourism Industry
• Customer Service in Travel and Tourism
• Preparing for a Career in Travel and Tourism
• UK Airports
• Aviation Communications
• Health Safety and Security
• Worldwide Passenger Airlines

As part of the course, you will develop employability, personal and professional skills to support your future progression.

Employer engagement is a key element of the qualification, and you will complete a minimum of 30 hours of work experience, either in person or virtually, to help prepare you for the workplace.

How will I be assessed?:

Assessment is through continuous coursework, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge and skills through a variety of practical and written activities, including weekly assignments, role plays, interviews, professional discussions, and presentations.

What to Expect?:

This course is delivered by experienced aviation professionals who bring extensive industry knowledge and real-world expertise into the classroom. They will support you in developing the knowledge, skills, and professional behaviours required for success while helping you prepare for progression into employment, apprenticeships, higher-level study, or university.

Educational visits and employer engagement are an integral part of the programme, giving learners valuable first-hand experience of the aviation sector. Visits may include London Stansted Airport, East Midlands Airport, and a range of business aviation operators, providing unique insight into airport operations, airline services and career opportunities across the industry.

Guest speakers from across the aviation industry regularly contribute to the programme, providing insight into careers, industry trends and employer expectations. Speakers may include representatives from:

• Manchester Airports Group (MAG)
• Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
• Airlines
• Business Aviation Operators
• Military Organisations
• Aviation-Related Professional Bodies

What can I do next?:

This qualification is an excellent first step towards a wide range of exciting and sustainable careers within the aviation industry. Career opportunities may include roles such as:

• Cabin Crew
• Airport Customer Service Agent
• Ground Operations Staff
• Aviation Operations Coordinator
• Airline and Airport Support Roles
• Air Traffic Controller (with further training)
• Pilot (with further specialist training)

The transferable skills developed throughout the course can also support progression into a variety of roles across the wider travel, transport and customer service sectors.

Successful completion of this qualification can lead to employment, an apprenticeship or further study at a higher level, supporting progression into a wide range of careers within the aviation industry. It can also provide a pathway to university and a broad range of higher education courses.

Proud to work with:

We work closely with leading aviation employers to ensure learners develop the skills, knowledge, and behaviours required by industry. Partners may include Manchester Airports Group (MAG), Jet2, Emirates, Flightworx Aviation, and other aviation organisations. Learners may benefit from guest speakers, industry visits, work experience placements, and apprenticeship opportunities throughout the programme.

Additional Info:

Learners benefit from access to industry-standard training facilities, including a Bombardier Challenger aircraft, dedicated cabin crew training room and A380 simulator. These specialist facilities provide immersive learning experiences and realistic role-play activities, helping learners develop the practical skills and confidence required for careers in aviation.

How to Apply:

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