National code: AVI30319

Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service)

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Overview About this course

Launch into a dynamic career in aviation and develop the technical skills to be a sought-after member of airline ground crew or an aircraft baggage handler. Play a vital role in ensuring airport safety and security and work as part of a team in this fast-paced industry.

Outcomes What you'll gain

Learning outcomes

Through a mixture of theory and practical course work, learn to:

  • Handle situations involving disruptive passengers

  • Manage complex check-in desk procedures

  • Complete advanced driving on a simulated airport aircraft movement area

  • Operate airline communications systems

  • Apply emergency and evacuation procedures and safety instructions

Course outcomes

Gain practical experience and develop specialist skills that give you an advantage in the job market.

  • Skills to manage complex check-in desk procedures and handle situations involving disruptive passengers

  • The ability to drive on a simulated airport aircraft movement area and move baggage from location to location

  • A strong foundation to continue your studies and build on your career

  • Eligibility to register for an Aviation Reference Number

Suitability Is this course right for you?

Entry requirements

Some courses require evidence of previous experience or study before you can enrol

  • There are no entry requirements for this qualification. You can enrol today.

Entry recommendations

To be prepared for this course, we recommend that you have:

  • Experience using computers

  • A willingness to work varying shifts

  • Average physical fitness, such as push and pull handling when loading baggage

TAFE NSW is committed to meeting the learning needs of every community. Meeting these needs can mean there are additional entry requirements at different campus locations. Check your preferred location for further requirements. If you need help preparing for study, contact us to find out how we can support you.

Pathways Future career and study options

Career pathways

Our graduates go onto roles like:

Aircraft Baggage Handler and Airline Ground Crew

Aircraft Baggage Handlers and Airline Ground Crews load and unload baggage, direct planes, position staircases, fill aircraft fuel tanks and perform other aircraft ground services to ensure aircraft operations run efficiently.

  • Full-time share Full-time workers usually work 35 hours or more a week (in all their jobs combined).

    74%

  • Employment size Employment size is the number of workers who do this as their main job.

    2,600 workers

  • Average age This is the average age of all workers in this job.

    40 years

  • Weekly pay Median earnings are shown for full-time, non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax or any amounts that are salary sacrificed. These figures are a guide to earnings only and should not be used to determine a wage rate.

    $1,220

  • Average full-time The average full-time hours that people in this role work each week.

    42 hours

  • Skill level rating Skill level ratings are based on the range and complexity of job roles. In general, the higher the skill level, the more formal education and training, previous experience or on-the-job training needed to be good at the job.

    Lower

  • Gender share

    11% female

  • Future growth The Department of Employment, Skills, Small and Family Business estimates the likely change in number of workers in this role, or industry, over the next 5 years. Future growth is the likely percentage change compared to all other job roles.

    Moderate Growth

Other jobs include: Customer service operations, Flight dispatch operations and Ground operations

Licensing

To gain employment in the industry, you will need to apply for an Aviation Security Identification Card (ASIC). This is required by flight crew flying and general airport staff and can be obtained through ASIC issuing bodies. Depending on your state or territory or the airline, you may need to meet other regulatory requirements. It's important that you understand these requirements before enrolling in this course. Vist the Civil Aviation Safety Authority website for more information.

Study pathways

Take your study further with other courses offered at TAFE NSW:

Previous study 0 Courses

Begin here to gain experience and confidence in this study area.

The Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) does not have any pre-requisite courses.

Further study 0 Courses

Advance your skills to take your career to the next level

The Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) does not have any post-graduate courses.

Related study 1 Course

Strengthen your expertise and gain specialist skills to expand your employability.

Your experience counts

At TAFE NSW, we recognise your previous study and work experience. You can apply for recognition of prior learning or a credit transfer with any of our courses. If you're successful you'll get your qualification faster.

Units Units taught in this course

Courses are made up of a combination of both core and specialty units. In the Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) qualification, you’ll need to successfully complete 20 Units of competency, including 11 core and 9 speciality units.

Please note, not all specialty units are offered at every TAFE NSW location. It is highly recommended that you check with your preferred campus for information about the specialty units offered at that location.

Core units are central to the job outcomes of a particular industry or occupation. These are the units industry has agreed are essential to be capable and qualified at a particular study level.

  • Manage human factors and situational awareness in an aviation operational environment AVIF0020

  • Apply aircraft safety procedures AVIF0023

  • Apply aviation work health and safety procedures AVIF0034

  • Implement regulations and policies during aviation safety and service operations AVIF0036

TAFE NSW services Facilities and support

TAFE NSW provides support services across all campus locations and online. Whatever your needs or circumstances, we have the people, resources, counselling and facilities to support you in focusing on your studies.

  • TAFE NSW Disability Support Service

  • TAFE NSW Language, Literacy and Numeracy (LLN) support

  • TAFE NSW Aboriginal Support; Learner support (ABE)

  • TAFE NSW Careers, Counselling and Pathways Service

  • TAFE NSW Libraries

  • Scholarship programs – be supported as you explore your talents and fulfil your potential

  • Read&Write literacy and study support software is available free for all TAFE NSW students to use while studying on campus and at home

  • LinkedIn Learning – an online resource which offers innovative courses and tutorials to improve your personal and professional skills

  • Student associations – get social with our student community

Study options Find a location to enrol

Choose from the below study options and locations to discover what works with your lifestyle. Heart your favourites and compare courses.