Route to Dispatch (UK)
 

Hi all this is my first post here! I've done some searching and most links came here so I thought I'd join up

I've recently finished my Degree (Business and Marketing) but have always wanted to get into the aviation industry, for some reason or another I didn't do exactly what I wanted/needed (Mainly because I was confused :rolleyes:) But now I've decided to go for it so here is my question.

My aim is to get into dispatch but I'm not really sure how to get there. From what I've read so far there are no formal qualifications needed here in the UK and most airlines use their own processes therefore I'm guessing that my first step would be to get a job with an airline? What kind of jobs should I be looking for?

Another thing I was looking to do is the Avtech 2000 foundation course which I'm not sure if it's worth doing or will the airline provide everything I need?

Sorry about all of this but I'm very new to it all :}:ok:

The hardest part is getting yourself on the 'inside' of a handling agent or airline. A lot of dispatchers start off on check-in / the ramp then get internally demoted (:E) to dispatcher if they wish. Depending on the handling agents or airline, you may also be able to go straight from the outside to dispatcher role with no prior experience. The handling agent / airline will provide all the training necessary so I wouldn't waste your time trying to gain extra qualifications to become a dispatcher.

I think it's pretty rare to see dispatch jobs advertised unless the company is desperate for them, as usually people from other areas within the company will internally apply for the jobs.

It's unlikely they'll be any jobs advertised until about Feb/Mar next year, when handling agents start their seasonal summer recruitment. If you did get a job on check-in/dispatch/ramp for the summer, it's usually an April - October temp contract but once you've got a foot inside, it makes it all a lot easier :ok:

Thanks for the reply!

Ok so what's the best way to go about finding a job at check-in/ramp? What kind of things do they ask for? I know a few jobs ask for a driving license which I don't have but I do have a bike license :lol: Just want to have the best chance possible of getting a job, all my past experience is marketing and work I did at a motorcycle dealership

Ahh, you'll definitely need a driving licence for dispatch, along with good colour vision.

Checking your local jobcenter website is probably the best way to find check in/ramp jobs to be honest, as I rarely see jobs advertised on the handling agents own websites.

Ahh right, looks like I need to add another 2 wheels to my license. Thanks for the info much appreciated

Time to go and start my journey :uhoh:

Ducati dude, can you clarify what sort of dispatch you are interested in getting into to?

There is ramp dispatch where you are out on the ramp in all weather assisting with the turnaround of the aircraft.

Then there is flight dispatch (also known as flight ops or ops control) where you are planning the flight from start to finish.

There is a big difference between the two; one is a ground ops dept, the other is a flight ops dept.

If you are thinking of undertaking the Avtech course then it sounds to me like you are talking about the latter.

It isn't easy to get into but if you choose the correct steps you can really enhance your chances of landing that first job.

PM for more info if you wish.

D.O.G