Aviation Operations on the Ground - Entry Programme (British Airways)

In partnership with British Airways, Kingston College has launched an exciting opportunity for school leavers to become Aircraft Ground Handlers and work as part of the British Airways’ Heathrow Operations Team.

Entry Requirements

At least four GCSEs at Grade D or above which includes Mathematics and English Language (or equivalent), preferably attained within the last two years. Suitable applicants will be interviewed and will also need satisfactory references and a good attendance record.

Candidates will also need to be in a position where they have, or can achieve, an endorsement-free full UK driving licence within six months of starting an apprenticeship, as it is necessary to drive airside vehicles as part of the job role.

Candidates must meet the requirements of security checks to gain an airside pass from the BAA. It is therefore necessary to be able to pass an Enhanced CRC (Criminal Records Check), have the right to work in the EU and be able to provide references for up to the past five years.

The role of a ground handler can be physically demanding and you will be required to work outdoors in all weathers.

You must be able to travel to Kingston College and the British Airways facility at Heathrow Airport.

Course Duration

The programme will consist of a full-time eighteen week course at Kingston College to include one weeks' work experience, a charity team event and several familiarisation days with British Airways. There are two intakes per academic year - one starts in the September and the other intake is in the February.

Content

The programme will provide an introduction to ground service equipment, aircraft familiarisation and airmanship, health and safety and the personal and team-working skills required to ensure delivery for customers in a competitive and safety-critical business.  You will gain a Level 1 NVQ in Performing Engineering Operations, a Level 1 Award in Employability and Personal Development and you may be required to undertake Level 1 Functional Skills in English and Maths.

Progression

This course may lead to the opportunity to be employed as an apprentice for the following eighteen months, to complete a Level 2 NVQ in Aviation Operations on The Ground.

Additional Information

There are two intakes a year for this course; start dates are September and February.

To apply for this course, please follow the Apply Now link to the right of this page. For further information, please contact Ben Jokiel in the School of Engineering on 020 8268 2784 or email: ben.jokiel@kingston-college.ac.uk