91�ȱ�

Meet Shannon, 19, from London. She's a ramp agent for British Airways at an airport in London. Part of our Bitesize world of work series.

My job is my gym!

What is your job?

I'm part of a team who ensure that each aircraft we deal with goes out safely and on time. We also offload baggage and cargo that comes in on the aircraft.

What do you do day-to-day?

I work to a seven-day shift pattern, so I do seven days on, three days off, seven days on, four days off – that’s split into early and late shifts. Some of my tasks would be to onload bins (containers of customer baggage) onto the fronts and backs of the aircraft correctly. I’m paired with a ramp supervisor on shift.

What did you study in school?

I did Art, Computing, Drama and French for GCSEs, then I did Religious Studies, Drama and Theatre studies and Media Studies at A-level.

What skills do you use in your work?

Communication is a key skill as well as keeping up with the knowledge we’ve learnt in training. Drama has helped me a lot. In Drama you have to have confidence when you’re speaking to people, and you have to be assertive.

Using your initiative is very important in our role, because your ramp supervisor might not have the time to tell you everything to do. Our job is very physical, on your feet, up and active which suits me really well!

Is this the job you always wanted to do?

When I was younger I wanted to do interior design, but I took Art GCSE and knew it wasn’t for me. When I did my A-levels, I knew I didn’t want to go to uni, because I didn’t want to be in debt. I always liked airports and travelling, so I searched and found my apprenticeship.

Was it a smooth ride?

No, because I was one of the few women on the ramp when I started in baggage and, because I’m very petite, some people thought that I might not be able to do it.

However, my colleagues have always supported me and I am proof that girls are just as capable as boys in this role - I would absolutely encourage other girls to apply.

Top tips

• Whatever you want to do, put your mind to it and you’ll be able to

• If it doesn’t work out, then you can always try something else because you’re still young

• Keep your options open and look at apprenticeships and different universities.

A similar role to a ramp agent is an airport baggage handler. Airport baggage handlers load and unload luggage and cargo from aircraft.

What to expect if you want to be an airport baggage handler

• Airport baggage handler average salary: £15,000 to £28,000 per year
• Airport baggage handler typical working hours: 44 to 46 hours a week

What qualifications do you need to be an airport baggage handler?

You could get into this role via a college course, an apprenticeship or applying directly.

Sources: LMI for All, National Careers Service

This information is a guide and is constantly changing. Please check the for the latest information and all the qualifications needed.

For careers advice in all parts of the UK visit: , , and .

Find work experience placements with Workfinder.

Tips and advice
Help with interviews, writing a CV and all things work experience related.