Is this possible?

[paulii]

Hey guys hope your all well.
Just have a question to ask, i know it may sound rediculous, but theres no harm in asking :)

Ok basically, im 17 years old from Melb, Australia and wanting to be cabin crew for Qantas. However, next year i will be completing my year 12 studies.

What my question is, im 18 in July, if i apply for the position of cabin crew after my 18th birthday, and if, if successful throughout the recruitment process, would i be able to start work in 2010 ? so it still gives me time to complete my schooling and just piece of mind that i have secured a job? Or should not even bother and just wait until i finish school and then apply?

Ive already emailed Qantas in regards to my question and was just given a link to what they look for in a flight attendant :ugh:( which ive already read 1000 times over )

I know i sound like another teenager with a head full of dreams but ive seriously thought about it over and over and even made my life plan haha.

Also, just one more question. Years ago i had a heart condition, superventricular tachycardia - so in english, haha, just had a very fast heart beat. Ive had the operation and since that day, never have i experienced tachycardia again. Would this affect my chances of flying international? Even with a doctors approval?

Thank you to all who reply,
much appreciated.
Paulii

[PER210]

Not to sure about Qantas, but i know a few airlines would want you to start when they want you to start. And if you can't make that date then you've declined the invitation and have a 12 month ban? Again, not too sure about Qantas but something to think about. But then again, the recruitment process could be so long that you won't get employed until 2010 anyway. Good luck with your studies and dreams!

[Montreal76]

Is 18 the minimum age ?

[paulii]

Hey Per210, thank you for your response. I might as well just apply after i finish year 12.

Montreal76, yes, 18 is the minimum age you can work as cabin crew here in Australia

[AirborneSoon]

18 is the minimum but it's by no means common to get the job at that age. More typical is mid twenties and beyond. It's true though, airlines are rarely flexible in their requirements and it's either take the job when it's up or not at all.

You'd need to show solid background in customer service and have some great work references (not personal, school references) to be considered. Such a young age can go against you as you need a certain level of emotional maturity to succeed in this job and not least of all the ability to be at the beck and call of the airline. Think zero work flexibility, especially when it comes to QF. They have a seniority system so you won't get much work flexibility or bidding ability until you've been there 10 years. :sad:

It's not impossible to get in at the minimum age, just not very common.

Good luck.

[paulii]

Thanks Airborne soon,

Think zero work flexibility, especially when it comes to QF. They have a seniority system so you won't get much work flexibility or bidding ability until you've been there 10 years. http://static.pprune.org/images/smilies/puppy_dog_eyes.gif


That worries me, does that mean ill only get one flight every couple of weeks or they will just put me on flights and not really care? Bidding doesnt phase me, the more experience i can get the better i guess.

I also understand i may not be hired due to a factor of things, life experience, ect.
But at the moment im completing my certificate 3 in hospitality (already have cert.2) been in the hospitality industry for years now, so references and abilities in customer service dont concern me because i know i have solid background and people who back me up :)

Thanks once again airborne, i have my life plan figured out and only want to stay with Qantas to gain some experience until i can move to Emirates. :)

[AirborneSoon]

Hi

No you'll still get to fly a full roster you will just have no choice about what routes you fly. Now that might sound ok now, but after you've done the same route, at the same time for the tenth time that month, you might think otherwise.

In a seniority based system all the nice trips go to the people who've been there the longest, same with holiday allocations and just about anything else you might like. You'll be last in line which means you'll get the worst flying, sign-ons and routes. And I think staff travel is also senority based at QF too.

Enjoy.

[paulii]

Lmao thanks airborne,
still flying a full roster is good i suppose. Umm, u know what i just found out yesturday, that out of melbourne, Qantas only does 4 international routes. LA. HNKG. SING. SHANGHAI - imagine just doing those 4 routes for 3 years full time :| - yeeah, i dont think so.

So, again, plans have changed, ill move to Sydney, because from there they go global.

If not, i hear JetStar or Virgin Blue calling.

Thanks for the help Airbornesoon,
paulii x

[irishbecky]

Well yes but most jobs you start at the bottom and have to work your way up...what's the problem with that?? It gives people incentive, why should junior cc get the same privelidges as cc who have been operating for years??? That's life! Pauli I admire your ambition just don't wish your life away and do you know what? The best people to ask this question of are Q.F becasue they will have the right answer for you. Just call H.R and ask!!! Good Luck

[AirborneSoon]

Irishbecky,

Really? Because that hasn't been my experience at all. What about getting things based on merit rather than merely killing time? Most jobs these days reward based on effort and performance. If you are good at what you do, you'll be rewarded for it and move ahead. Waiting for someone else to retire isn't "working your way up".

Senority based systems don't reward people for their effort, merely their willingness to stick around (regardless of how good they are at their job or not). Don't you think it's demoralising to know that it doesn't matter how you perform, your ability to receive rewards is based solely on the number of years behind your payroll number? :ugh: