Airport information assistant

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role
• applying directly

College

You could take a college course in customer service or aviation operations, which will give you some of the skills and knowledge needed for this role.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

Apprenticeship

You can apply to do an Aviation Customer Service Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship, or Customer Service Practitioner Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship

More Information

• equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
• guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide

Work

You could find work on a temporary or seasonal contract in an airport before being offered a permanent position.

Direct Application

You can apply directly to become an airport information assistant. Most employers will expect you to have a good standard of general education, including GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) in English and maths, or equivalent qualifications.

More Information

Career Tips

Experience in customer service would give you an advantage when looking for work. Foreign language skills might also be useful for some jobs.

Skills and knowledge

You'll need:

• customer service skills
• the ability to work well with others
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• sensitivity and understanding
• active listening skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

You'll usually need to be over 18 to meet shiftwork regulations.

You'll normally need your own transport to get to and from the airport, as public transport may not cover all of your shift times.

Day-to-day tasks

As an airport information assistant, you could:

• give out flight information over a public address system
• direct passengers around the airport
• answer passenger queries face to face, on the phone and online
• help passengers to check in
• support people who need assistance around the terminal
• handle feedback and complaints
• update and monitor flight information systems
• exchange currency for passengers

Working environment

You could work at an airport.

Your working environment may be crowded.

You may need to wear a uniform.

After gaining experience, you could go on to be a customer service supervisor or manager in an airport.