Aviation Industry Skills Board (AISB) Ground Services Career Taster

Overview Ever wondered how an aircraft is cleaned, loaded, refuelled and ready to fly again in under an hour? In this Career Simulation you’ll discover the world of ground services, the essential teams that make every flight possible. From baggage handling and aircraft turnaround to passenger assistance and ramp safety, you’ll see how the UK’s airports rely on skilled ground crews working together against the clock. Whether you enjoy hands-on work, problem-solving or helping people, discover how a career in ground services can be your gateway into the wider aviation industry. What’s Included This Career Simulation won’t just be us explaining ground service roles to you: you’ll get stuck in by completing quizzes and interactive activities to evaluate your own skills and knowledge. This experience will show you what it takes to turn an aircraft around safely and on time, and how every role on the ground keeps aviation moving. At the end, you’ll be supplied with a certificate to add to your CV, proving you’re ready to take your first steps into airport ground operations. Module Overviews Career Overview – Discover the wide range of roles in ground services, from ramp and baggage teams to passenger services, that keep airports running. Qualification & Skill Requirements – Learn about the entry routes, training and personal qualities, such as teamwork and reliability, that lead to a career in ground operations. Daily Activities – See how ground crews combine speed, communication and strict safety procedures to turn around aircraft throughout the day. Career Progression – Explore the routes available, from frontline roles to supervisor, team leader and operations management positions. Salary & Benefits – Understand the earning potential, shift patterns, travel perks and wider benefits of working in ground services. Challenges & Rewards – Discover the demands of working outdoors and against the clock, alongside the reward of being part of a close-knit, vital team. Meet the Expert – Hear from Amreen Liqat at Swissport about life in ground services and what it takes to keep airports moving. Your Activity – Step into the role of a ground operations team member and manage a realistic aircraft turnaround scenario. Model Answer – Compare your approach with a worked example that shows how ground crews prioritise tasks and keep operations safe and on time. Reflection – Reflect on what you’ve learned, identify what appeals to you most, and consider your next steps into a career in ground services.