Airside careers

[LFC24]

I want to pursue an airside-based managerial role, and was just wondering if this is achieveable by starting out as a ramp agent?

I know people have advanced to dispatchers etc, but is it possible to advance onto roles such as airfield duty manager, safety manager etc? And do such roles require you to work shifts?

[groundagent]

There are examples all over the business of people working their way up through the ranks so yes it is definately possible.

My own observation is that the department to pass through is dispatch/turnround co-ordinator (I'm not talking airline operations people, although no reason they can't, but the ones on the ground). This gives such a strong grounding in the business and understanding of what can happen and how to resolve it.

That said I have seen people go from ramp agents to:

Shift Manager
Station Manager
Safety Manager
Training Manager

The same can be said of check in and dispatchers too.

GA

[merlinxx]

Honey cart man:ok: Will always be needed in this industry:E

[TurningFinals]

Normally Airfield Duty Manager is employed by the airport authority, so starting at apron ops or the like would be a good start for this role.

I know a supervisor who went ramp agent - dispatch - supervisor/ops coordinator. After that it'd be senior ops coordinator then managerial levels.

[tgwu stn]

Turningfinals

If you are preparded to stab your work mates in the back,brown nose, play Golf, cards and related you get promoted in no time.
In General Aviation you only have to be related or a mate of a member of management.:ok:
A lot of Pilots doing their training work as Dispatchers and in Operations and practice looking down their noses for when they get a job in the left hand seat.:8
If you are experienced ,hard working, reliable and do a good job you won't get anywhere.:=

[Philpaz]

I know an Airport duty manager that went from check-in to cabin crew to crewing to ADM in 8 years.

Not a back stabber, really nice person.

I'd say its all about taking the opportunities as they present themselves.

[TurningFinals]

If you are preparded to stab your work mates in the back,brown nose, play Golf, cards and related you get promoted in no time.
In General Aviation you only have to be related or a mate of a member of management

That'd be why an apron ops safety type person told me the other day that i have more relevant experience than she does. Begs the question why she's the one writing all these ridiculous new rules being imposed on us.

It's not what you know, it's who you know! :ok:

[Airlift21]

LFC24,
Firstly, don't stab your workmates in the back!
Then try this!
1. Start as a Ramp Agent.
2. Get knowledge from your senior workmates about their jobs.
3. Apply for promotion early on when there are positions available. Even if you don't immediately get a promotion, next time you'll be more prepared!
4. Be reasonably friendly to your managers but for Gods Sake, don't brown nose because that will be noticed by your workmates!
5. Take an interest in your job and work very hard, show intelligence-but don't over do it.
6. On the way up, you're going to stand on some toes and you will get back chat and p**s take, but that's the way it is.
7. Be patient.

Finally, learn to play Golf !

Good Luck!

P.S In the end, it may come down to who you know!

[Jack_P]

the question you've got to ask yourself is this......

You've got certain qualifcations to become a manager, so why not use those and get a decent job elsewhere.

Manager position's become avalible very rarely and usually are chosen from within the company

Is being a ramp agent some-thing you reallly want to do, earning ok 'ish money for some-thing labourer's on a building site can earn nearly twice as much (or what i seem to get the impression)

Would you like to get back pain's as a result of lifting a small hand bag that weighs a tonne?

[Waving_tug_boy]

or would you like to get ripped and look like a stud? :ok:

[Jack_P]

another thought, was that if you do join a company in this economic situation think of the following.......
- get a full contract if posisble (if pigs fly)
- dont do split shifts as thats the new "in" thing at most airport's
- avoid working in the baggage hall/make up area's as they may seem dull (to some) and may discourage your ambition to work further in the industry
- always avoid seasonal contracts (the name says it all)
- avoid Airlines and ground handlers on behalf of who are in finacial trouble, as job cuts and redundancies are very popular (certain airlines being protected under chapter 11 etc)
- Check what you job entails, as it may look great on paper until you actually start airside

I can understand some points may seem unrealistic if your dying for a job but after doing a week of split shifts arriving to work at 0600 leaving at 1000, to then come back to work at 1800 till 2200 isn't great!

But I for one wouldn't worry about getting "ripped" but then again every one to their own

[Waving_tug_boy]

Jack.... :ugh: