If the world is truly your oyster, why not enrol in the sea food buffet that is an apprenticeship in Aviation Ground Specialist? This apprenticeship isn’t designed to take you to the stars, but to help qualify you further in understanding a wide variety of vessels in the aviation world. Sounds intriguing? Read on to see how you could play your part in the world of aviation.
Jobs and entry criteria for the level 4 Aviation Ground Operative apprenticeship
In order to qualify for entry as a level 4 apprentice in Aviation Ground Operatives, candidates will need to have acquired a level 2 or higher in their English and Maths, as well as any further requirements post holders require for individual job-placements. Roles which would be available afterwards include but are not limited to, further study in the form of an aviation operations specialist role with the option to progress to an aviation operations manager role. Additionally, the experiences gained would open up and provide experience for all manner of roles across an airport environment.
Key responsibilities of an Aviation Ground Operative apprentice
Although the core duties involved remain the same, depending on the discipline your apprenticeship is based in can have an impact on the manner these responsibilities are performed. Environments include those such as a commercial airport, military base / aerodrome, heliport or other airfield. Responsibilities will include learning how to load and unload an aircraft, supporting air traffic control (ATC), the moving of vehicles and aircraft, as well as the movement of passengers in both land and air.
Level 4 Aviation Ground Operative Core Competencies
Throughout your role as an Aviation Ground Operative Apprentice, you will be expected to follow out the following and demonstrate your ability to live out these core skills in all that you do.
- Safety – Being up to date in current Health and Safety legislation, as well as organisation’s guidance
- Security – Being able to maintain security in both their environment, as well as knowing how to operate in a breach
- Compliance & Legislation – Be up to date on all aviation and other relevant legislation, as well as the monitoring procedures of their specific area of work
- Communication – Using effective and timely communication to efficiently transfer information to a variety of audiences in the relevant language and format
- Interpersonal Skills – Championing equality and diversity initiatives as well as working productively with all others across the team/wider organisation
- Aviation Systems – To learn both the systems involved in your direct role, as well as being able to spot faults and administer the correct course of action to resolve them
- Disruption, Incidents & Emergencies – Implement and monitor emergency protocols in area of responsibility, as well as being aware of solutions should issues occur
- Dangerous Goods – Being able to handle a variety of dangerous goods relating to your role within the aviation world
- Aviation Timescales – To understand the importance of aviation timescales and the consequences of failing to adhere to them
Exams and Assessments
The end point assessment for each apprentice is as follows:
On Demand Test
Two, one hour multiple choice tests with scenario based questions to demonstrate application of knowledge, skills and behaviours, covering all the key elements of the standard. This will see one exam based on the core skills, and the second on the specific function of the apprenticeship.
This will be externally set and marked and either undertaken at the employer’s premises or off site.
Observation
One hour observation selected from a list of three specialist possible scenarios. The observation will assess key areas of the standard and allow the apprentice to demonstrate the maximum possible range of skills, knowledge and behaviours.
Professional Discussion
Structured discussion between the apprentice, employer (e.g. line manager) and independent end assessor to establish the apprentice’s understanding and application of knowledge, skills and behaviours focusing on how they have performed during the apprenticeship and their overall achievement of the standard. The apprentice may identify supporting evidence to bring to the professional discussion to illustrate performance.
Completion
The apprentice must pass all elements of the independent end assessment to complete the apprenticeship. The independent end assessor will combine the performance in each assessment activity to award the overall grade.
Conclusion
As you can see, this apprenticeship is a wonderful entry point for those looking to move into the world of aviation. It not only gives you the opportunity to keep studying further, but also provides a good platform to move into any number of different roles around the world of aviation.