Aviation ground operative

Level

Intermediate · like GCSEs

Length

1 yr

typical

Sector

Transport and logistics

Pay

Paid

you earn while training

In a nutshell

Working in a specialist role supporting the safe arrival, turnaround and departure of aircraft at airports, military bases, heliports and other airfields.

What you'd do

Marshal arriving and departing aircraft safely on the apron

Load and unload passenger baggage and cargo from aircraft holds

Operate belt loaders, tugs, and other ground support equipment

Complete aircraft pushbacks under the instruction of flight crew

Follow holds loading plans to ensure correct weight distribution

Apply or oversee de-icing treatment to aircraft in winter conditions

Carry out airside safety checks and report hazards or foreign object debris

What you'd learn

Airside safety rules, ground movement procedures, and engine hazard awareness

Aircraft marshalling signals and guiding aircraft on the apron

Baggage and cargo loading principles including hold loading plans

Ground support equipment operation including tugs, belt loaders, and steps

Aircraft towing and pushback procedures under pilot or engineer supervision

De-icing procedures and understanding of ground icing conditions

Dangerous goods awareness and identifying restricted cargo categories

Ready to look for a place?

See live Aviation ground operative apprenticeship vacancies on the official government service.

Find vacancies

A Careermash concept · apprenticeship standard from our careers engine · vacancies via gov.uk.