Ruth Haines
Turning 18 opens up a world of job opportunities, including at airports. Working at an airport can be a great way to gain work experience and develop valuable skills. While specific requirements may vary, most airport jobs require employees to be at least 18 years old and possess a high school diploma or equivalent. These jobs often involve customer service, retail, food service, or even more specialized roles like baggage handling and aircraft maintenance. So, if you're 18 and exploring career options, an airport might just be your takeoff point!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Age requirement | 18 or older |
| Skills | Good communication, customer service, time management, physical fitness |
| Work experience | Not required, but previous experience is beneficial |
| Work permit | Required for under 18s |
| Job types | Customer service, retail, food service, baggage handling, sales, security, maintenance |
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What You'll Learn
Customer service roles
If you're 18 and looking for a customer service role at an airport, there are several options available to you. Many airlines and airport service providers hire customer service representatives to assist passengers with check-in, ticketing, baggage handling, and other tasks. These roles are great for gaining experience and developing customer service skills, as well as building your resume for future career opportunities in the aviation industry.
One example of a customer service role at an airport is a Passenger Services Agent. This role involves providing a range of customer services for airline passengers, including reservations, ticketing, baggage service, terminal and gate check-in processing, greeting arriving international flights, handling VIPs, jetway operation, and providing special assistance as required. This role requires good communication and interpersonal skills, as well as the ability to remain calm and professional when dealing with passengers.
Another option is a Customer Service Representative role with an airline or airport service provider. In this role, you would be assisting passengers with check-in, baggage handling, and other tasks as needed. This position may also involve interacting with passengers and ensuring they have a pleasant journey. Good communication and customer service skills are essential for this role, as well as the ability to work well under pressure.
Additionally, you could consider a role as a Sales Supervisor in an airport's gift shops or bookstores. This position involves managing a sales team and assisting with the training and development of personnel. While this role may not be directly related to aviation, it still requires strong customer service skills and the ability to provide a pleasant experience for customers.
Finally, some airports may offer customer service roles specifically for their retail outlets or restaurants. For example, a Sales Associate (Retail) role would involve performing all aspects of retail sales, including assisting customers, processing transactions, and ensuring a high level of customer satisfaction. Similarly, a Host/Hostess role in an airport restaurant would entail seating patrons and providing excellent customer service to ensure a pleasant dining experience.
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Food service jobs
Server
Servers play a crucial role in ensuring customers have a pleasant dining experience. They take food and beverage orders from customers, deliver them to the tables, and may also handle payment transactions. Servers are expected to have good customer service skills and a friendly demeanor.
Host/Hostess
Hosts and hostesses are responsible for greeting customers and seating them at restaurants. They manage the flow of customers, maintain the waiting list during busy hours, and ensure that guests are comfortable while they wait for their tables. This role requires strong organizational skills and a polite and welcoming attitude.
Barista
Baristas are coffee experts who prepare and serve coffee and other beverages to customers. They may work for coffee shops or cafes within the airport. In addition to coffee-making skills, baristas should also possess knowledge of different coffee beans, blends, and brewing techniques. Excellent customer service skills are also essential in this role.
Cook
Cooks work in the back-of-house in airport restaurants or fast-food outlets, preparing meals for customers. They follow recipes, ensure food quality and safety, and maintain a clean and sanitary kitchen environment. Cooks may also be involved in creating menus and managing food inventory. This role requires a strong understanding of food preparation and adherence to health and safety regulations.
Cashier
Cashiers handle payment transactions at airport eateries, gift shops, or retail stores. They operate cash registers, scan or manually enter prices of items, process payments, and provide customers with receipts. Cashiers should have basic mathematical skills, be comfortable handling money, and provide courteous service to customers.
These food service roles offer an excellent opportunity for 18-year-olds to develop valuable skills, gain work experience, and understand the dynamics of a busy airport environment. They can also be a great stepping stone for those interested in pursuing a career in the aviation or hospitality industries.
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Baggage handling
Baggage handlers are responsible for loading and unloading luggage and cargo from aircraft. The role requires physical fitness, as it involves lifting, carrying, and moving heavy items. It may also involve operating machinery and equipment. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are important for following safety protocols and communicating with colleagues and supervisors.
To become a baggage handler, you may need a college course or apprenticeship to develop the necessary skills and knowledge. Courses in Design and Technology (D&T) or vocational training in technical subjects can be advantageous. In the UK, relevant courses include a Certificate or Diploma in Aviation Environment. Apprenticeship options include Aviation Ground Operative, Aviation Ground Handler, and Aviation Ground Specialist. These can provide on-the-job training while allowing you to spend time in a college or with a training provider.
Having a full UK driving licence is often a requirement for this role, as you may need to drive to and from the airport for your shifts. Experience in warehouse work and an LGV (Large Goods Vehicle) or forklift truck licence can also be beneficial. Baggage handlers typically work 44-46 hours per week, including evenings, weekends, and bank holidays. The work environment can be outdoors in all weather conditions, either on an aircraft, at an airport, or in a warehouse.
With experience, baggage handlers can progress to become ''lead ramp hands,', responsible for lining up planes for their next flight. They can also train staff on equipment and procedures, move into supervisory management, or transition into passenger handling operations.
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Retail sales
While most airport jobs have a minimum age requirement of 18 years, there are some retail sales roles that 18-year-olds can pursue. Working in airport retail can provide valuable experience and transferable skills that can benefit future career opportunities.
Sales Associate (Retail)
Sales associates are responsible for performing all aspects of retail sales. This includes assisting customers, handling transactions, and ensuring that the retail area is well-maintained and stocked. Sales associates may work in various airport retail outlets, including gift shops, bookstores, and brand-name merchandise stores.
Sales Supervisor
Sales supervisors manage a sales team and assist in their training and development. They ensure the smooth operation of the retail store, including inventory control, stocking, and sales floor management. Sales supervisors may also be responsible for customer service and sales strategy implementation.
Sales Support
Sales support staff assist with the back-office operations of a store. Their duties may include warehouse management, inventory control, and stocking. During peak times, they may also be required to work on the sales floor, assisting customers and ensuring a pleasant shopping experience.
Customer Service Representative
Customer service representatives assist passengers with various tasks, including check-in, ticketing, baggage handling, and providing information. They are often the first point of contact for passengers and play a crucial role in ensuring a positive travel experience. Good communication and interpersonal skills are essential for this role, as well as the ability to remain calm and professional in a fast-paced environment.
Retail Benefits and Skills Development
Working in airport retail provides an opportunity to develop valuable skills such as customer service, communication, time management, and teamwork. These skills are highly transferable and can benefit future career paths, whether within the aviation industry or other fields. Additionally, working in a busy airport environment allows for networking opportunities and the potential to build a professional network.
It is important to note that while these roles are generally available to 18-year-olds, specific airport employers may have varying age requirements and additional qualifications or skills they look for in candidates.
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Maintenance work
Airport maintenance workers are responsible for the upkeep and repair of airport facilities, equipment, and vehicles. This includes maintaining runways, terminals, and other airport infrastructure. The role may also involve performing routine maintenance on rental cars and aircraft, and ensuring the smooth operation of baggage and cargo services. Maintenance workers are typically required to be 18 years or older, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and possess good communication, customer service, and time management skills. Physical fitness is also advantageous for this role.
The role of an airport maintenance worker also extends to the upkeep of airport buildings and facilities, including terminals, hangars, and offices. This may involve performing general maintenance tasks such as plumbing, electrical work, carpentry, and painting. They may also be responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of airport systems, such as heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), lighting, and security systems.
In addition to routine maintenance, airport maintenance workers play a vital role in responding to emergency situations. This may include attending to aircraft incidents or accidents, assisting with aircraft de-icing operations during winter, or helping with wildlife management to ensure the safety of aircraft operations. They work closely with other airport personnel, including fleet service agents, customer service representatives, and ramp agents, to address any maintenance concerns and ensure the smooth operation of the airport.
Airport maintenance workers typically work in shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, to ensure the continuous operation of the airport. They may also be required to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and must adhere to strict safety regulations and security procedures. While prior experience in a similar role is often advantageous, many airports provide on-the-job training for maintenance workers, allowing individuals to develop the necessary skills and knowledge for this challenging and rewarding career.
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Frequently asked questions
There are various jobs that you can do at an airport at 18, including:
- Baggage handler
- Customer service representative
- Transport security officer
- Cabin cleaner
- Shuttle driver
- Fleet service agent
While many airport jobs offer on-the-job training, having certain skills can be beneficial. Good communication, customer service, and time management skills are highly valued. Additionally, being physically fit can be advantageous for roles like baggage handling.
When applying in person, dress professionally and bring copies of your resume. Networking can be a powerful tool in finding a job. Ask 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.
