Forget check in - dispatch is the job you want if you wish to head for the flight deck. In this role, you spend a great deal of time with the aircraft and crews, instead of grumpy passengers. It's a good way to get a feel for how the airline operates at the sharp end, and more importantly, you can make some very useful contacts with plenty of good advice to offer. Only once you are finally out there with your licence will you appreciate just how valuable these contacts will be.
Don't know what the situation at MAN is like, but it shouldn't be too hard to get a vacancy, even for the summer.