Owais Crawford
Working at an airport can be a great opportunity for teens to gain work experience, develop important skills, and earn money. The minimum age requirement for airport jobs is typically 18 years old, but there are also some positions available for 16 and 17-year-olds. These jobs can include customer service, retail, food service, and administrative roles, providing valuable experience and a stepping stone for future careers. Older teens, or those over 18, can explore a wider range of opportunities, including positions that involve working with aircraft and ground handling services.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum age requirement | 16 years old |
| Maximum age requirement | 18 years old |
| Roles | Customer service representative, cashier, wheelchair assistant, greeter, customer experience representative, exit booth agent, car cleaner, picker, litter crew member, shuttle bus driver, baggage handler, pilot, flight attendant, airport maintenance worker |
| Skills | Communication, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, organisation, multitasking |
| Qualifications | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Requirements | Ability to lift 20-40 lbs, valid driver's license |
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What You'll Learn
Entry-level positions
To work at an airport, you typically need to be at least 18 years old, but some positions may require you to be 21 or older, depending on the airline and the specific role. For example, to become a pilot, you must meet the age requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a student pilot certificate and at least 17 years old for a private pilot's license.
However, there are entry-level positions available for teenagers, typically those aged 16 and above. These jobs provide valuable work experience and transferable skills, such as customer service, communication, and interpersonal skills. Working at an airport as a teenager can be an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the aviation industry and build a professional network.
- Customer service roles: These positions are ideal for developing strong communication and interpersonal skills. They may involve assisting passengers with inquiries, providing information, and ensuring a positive experience for customers.
- Administrative roles: These roles can include data entry, filing, and assisting with various office duties. They are well-suited for teens who are organized and have good attention to detail.
- Retail and food service jobs: Airports often have restaurants, cafes, and shops that hire teenagers. These roles can include working as a cashier, sales assistant, or food service crew member.
- Ground maintenance: Some airports may hire teens for litter pickup and ground maintenance duties, providing an opportunity to work outdoors and contribute to the airport's cleanliness and aesthetics.
- Wheelchair assistant: This role involves assisting passengers with reduced mobility, ensuring they can navigate the airport comfortably and safely.
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Age requirements
The age requirements to work at an airport vary depending on the position and the airline. Most sources state that the minimum age to work at an airport is 16 years old, while some positions require applicants to be 18 or 21 years old.
For example, positions such as data entry, filing, administrative tasks, and assisting with various office duties are ideal for teens who are organized and detailed-oriented. These roles typically require applicants to be at least 16 years old. Denver International Airport, for instance, offers entry-level positions in customer service and operational support roles for teens. Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport also provides similar opportunities with entry-level customer service and support positions.
Additionally, teens as young as 16 can find employment in customer service, retail, and food service jobs within the airport. These roles offer valuable experience in developing customer service skills and understanding the dynamics of a busy work environment. Working in such a diverse and professional environment can open doors to future opportunities and enhance resumes.
However, certain positions at airports have higher age requirements due to the involvement of machinery or hazardous tasks. For instance, roles like baggage handlers, airport maintenance workers, and ramp agents typically require applicants to be 18 years old or older. Pilots, in particular, must adhere to the age requirements set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), needing to be at least 21 years old with 20/20 corrected vision.
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Job search platforms
When it comes to job hunting, there are numerous job search platforms available, each with its own unique features and advantages. Here are some of the most prominent and useful platforms:
Indeed:
Indeed claims to be the largest job site worldwide, with a vast number of job listings uploaded by employers. It offers a range of filters for location, pay, on-site requirements and other criteria, making it convenient for job seekers to narrow down their search.
Glassdoor:
Glassdoor is well-known for its anonymous company reviews and salary information. It has been a trusted source for job seekers for over 15 years. Glassdoor also offers job search features and recently introduced "Bowls", anonymous discussion forums centred on companies and various topics.
Simplify (or Simplify.jobs):
Simplify is a promising startup in the job search space. Its flagship tool, the AI Copilot, is a browser extension that can autofill your personal information, experience and resume details as you apply for jobs, making the application process much faster and easier.
LinkedIn:
LinkedIn is a widely used platform that allows employers to post jobs directly. Job seekers can browse these openings and apply using their LinkedIn profile and resume. LinkedIn also offers a paid version that provides additional insights into companies, such as employee qualifications and business growth rates, helping applicants make more informed decisions.
ZipRecruiter:
ZipRecruiter uses AI technology to connect millions of job seekers with businesses. It allows individuals to browse job openings, search for specific positions and create a free account to apply for jobs. The platform also provides notifications when new jobs matching the user's criteria are posted.
Craigslist:
While it may have declined in popularity over the years, Craigslist is still a useful platform, especially for finding local jobs. It is ideal for those seeking quick employment or gig work. However, due to the high volume of listings, users may need to filter through spam to find quality job posts.
Handshake:
Handshake is unique in that it caters to a specific audience: college students and recent graduates. It partners with universities to create exclusive job and internship opportunities. However, due to the cost of posting multiple jobs on the platform, some positions may not be listed here.
Upwork:
Upwork is a platform that connects freelancers and independent contractors with businesses and clients. It facilitates the process of hiring professionals for specific projects or tasks, and it also helps manage professional relationships, including communication, time records and payments.
Job.com:
Job.com acts as an advocate for both job seekers and employers, aiming to match candidates with employers whose goals align. It uses AI to identify job opportunities based on resumes uploaded by job seekers, making it a convenient tool for finding suitable positions.
These platforms offer a range of features to assist in your job search, and utilising them effectively can increase your chances of finding the right opportunity.
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In-person applications
Age Requirements
Firstly, it's important to note that the age requirements vary depending on the position and the airport itself. In general, you must be at least 18 years old, and in some cases, 21 years old, to work at an airport. However, there are also airport jobs available for teens as young as 16 or 17 years old, which can provide valuable work experience and skills. These positions are often part-time and flexible to accommodate school schedules.
Available Positions
The type of airport jobs available for in-person applications can vary. Airports often offer customer service, retail, and food service jobs that are perfect for gaining experience and developing customer service skills. Positions such as customer service representatives, cashiers, and wheelchair assistants are often open to applicants aged 16 and older. Additionally, some airports offer entry-level positions in data entry, filing, and administrative support roles.
Networking and Referrals
When applying in person, networking and referrals can be extremely beneficial. Consider asking family, friends, or school counselors if they know of any job openings at the airport. Referrals from current employees can also improve your chances of getting hired, so don't be afraid to reach out to your network for assistance.
Required Skills and Qualifications
When applying for airport jobs in person, it's important to showcase your skills and qualifications. Customer service roles, for example, require strong communication and interpersonal skills. Other positions may require attention to detail, organizational skills, or the ability to lift a certain weight. Make sure to read the job descriptions carefully and highlight any relevant skills or experience you may have.
Application Process
When applying in person at an airport, you can typically visit the airport's retail stores or service outlets to inquire about job openings. It's a good idea to dress professionally and bring copies of your resume or CV. Be prepared to introduce yourself and highlight your skills and experiences that align with the job requirements. Some airports may also require you to complete an application form or participate in an on-the-spot interview, so be ready to showcase your best self!
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Job prospects
For teenagers, working at an airport can be an excellent way to gain valuable work experience and develop essential skills that will benefit them in the future. Customer service, retail, and food service jobs are commonly available for 16-year-olds, providing a great platform to enhance their communication and interpersonal skills. These roles also offer insights into the dynamics of a fast-paced work environment, helping teens understand the various aspects of airport operations.
Airports frequently list entry-level positions such as customer service representatives, cashiers, and wheelchair assistants, which are ideal for teens. For instance, Denver International Airport often advertises such roles, and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport offers entry-level customer service and support positions. Additionally, some airports provide part-time roles with flexible hours for students, like the Passenger Service Attendant role at Prospect Airport Services.
For adults, the range of job prospects expands further. Aside from the roles mentioned above, there are positions such as baggage handlers, airport maintenance workers, pilots, and flight attendants. These roles typically require individuals to be 18 years or older, and in some cases, the age limit is 21, depending on the specific position and airline. Baggage handlers are responsible for handling luggage and cargo, while maintenance workers ensure the upkeep of airport facilities and equipment. Pilots and flight attendants have varying age requirements set by aviation authorities and airlines.
Overall, the job prospects at airports cater to a diverse range of ages, offering valuable opportunities for personal and professional growth, especially for teens looking to build their resumes and gain experience in a dynamic work environment.
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Frequently asked questions
The age requirement for baggage handlers is typically 18 or older.
Administrative roles such as data entry, filing, and assisting with various office duties are ideal for teens who are organized and have good attention to detail. Most airports hire applicants who are at least 16 years old for these roles.
Airports frequently list entry-level customer service roles for teens who are 16 or older.
The age requirement for maintenance workers is typically 18 or older.
Pilots must be at least 21 years old with 20/20 corrected vision. To obtain a student pilot certificate, you must be at least 16 years old, and to obtain a private pilot's license, you must be at least 17 years old.
