Working in ground operations (Sydney)

[Tara S]

Hello aviation enthusiasts,

My name's Tara and it is my dream to work as ground crew in Sydney. I currently work as a vehicle painter at a prestige smash repairs, however, this is not something I'm passionate about.

Everyone who knows me or has ever known me are all too aware of my passion for aviation. I'm am however finding it extremely difficult to break into the industry.

I was fortunate enough to meet the manager of all cabin crew (Sydney based) of virgin Australia and she called me in for a meeting to discuss getting me into a customer service role and moving my way on from there. Unfortunately though she was let go after her probation period as she musnt have been quite what virgin were looking for.

This was my best chance gone. We hadn't commenced interviewing and our meeting was only 'off the record' at the time. She did say that Virgin recruit in batches and the next was scheduled for March 2016.

Does anyone work for virgin or any other airline for that matter that may have some information about this and the processes involved. I would be so great full for ANY information as I'm desperate to follow my dreams and work around my beloved planes.

Thank you for reading this message.

Tara.

[MarkR]

Hi Tara

Best of luck in your search for an aviation role. In your brief post, you have not mentioned what you have been doing to demonstrate your passion, other than a brief meeting with a Virgin staffer.

Often its what you do outside of the norm/work that can make all the difference, for instance are you involved in the Air Force Cadets, which is something you can volunteer for as an Adult Supervisor or the Australian Air League? You might also want to look at the Avalon Airshow and touch base with them offering to act as a volunteer, or even your local museum, such as HARS down the gong. One way or another, your extra circular work will not go unnoticed, and often you will meet someone that will sponsor you into what you want to do, which might change ;)

I was lucky to have spent my teen years hanging around the airport, cleaning planes and getting the occasional ride (including one in the drover now at HARS) and was also an Air Force Cadet, where I got to do work experience in ATC, the Firies etc, and I think it was this that got me into ATC when they first recruited after a long break. I was up against 60000 applications for 18 places, in todays world I reckon any job in aviation probably has similar odds, stick at it.

[Tara S]

Thank you mark R for you quick response.

I spend a great deal of time in and around the airport itself. I enjoy taking photographs of planes and have a young friend who's training as an aircraft technician in the navy.

Most books and aircraft documentaries I have either seen or read. My extensive knowledge of aviation reaches far out from anyone I know. Even my navy friend was blown by how much I know.

I have a yearly subscription to airliner world and regularly listen to the 'airline pilot guy' podcast. My room features a selection of model airplanes and framed photographs of aircraft.

I have visited the HARS museum and loved it, I was offered to do some
Volunteer work there however I do not have a car and it's quite far from the city. As well as this I have also visited Concorde in Bristol (uk) which is where I am originally from and Concorde that sits along side the Hudson in New York.

There is quite a lot to my story, it's hard to find words to describe my passion and energy for the industry without waffling on. I can't begin to imagine how I am going to write a cover letter to go with my CV.

I love your story, it goes to show that if you love something so much you will get there in the end. All I want is my foot in the door, once there, the skies the limit!

[NathanJ]

Perhaps check out the careers section of the virgin australia website?

http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/about-us/careers/

[Yusef D]

The following qualifications could help... Senior First Aid, Working with Children check (for supervising unaccompanied minors) Responsible Service of Alcohol (for cabin crew).

You may be surprised at the level of aviation interest among ground crew. I have been asked some of the strangest questions. Like why the FedEx plane has no windows...

[Nigel C]

I knocked on the door once a month, every month, for nearly 18 months. Then I got offered an interview and the rest is history. That was just over 17 years ago...

[Tara S]

Thank you mark R for you quick response.

I spend a great deal of time in and around the airport itself. I enjoy taking photographs of planes and have a young friend who's training as an aircraft technician in the navy.

Most books and aircraft documentaries I have either seen or read. My extensive knowledge of aviation reaches far out from anyone I know. Even my navy friend was blown by how much I know.

I have a yearly subscription to airliner world and regularly listen to the 'airline pilot guy' podcast. My room features a selection of model airplanes and framed photographs of aircraft.

I have visited the HARS museum and loved it, I was offered to do some
Volunteer work there however I do not have a car and it's quite far from the city. As well as this I have also visited Concorde in Bristol (uk) which is where I am originally from and Concorde that sits along side the Hudson in New York.

There is quite a lot to my story, it's hard to find words to describe my passion and energy for the industry without waffling on. I can't begin to imagine how I am going to write a cover letter to go with my CV.

I love your story, it goes to show that if you love something so much you will get there in the end. All I want is my foot in the door, once there, the skies the limit!

[Tara S]

I frequently check all airline websites for career opportunities.

What do you do in the industry Nigel C?

[Alex T]

Hi Tara,

Just wondering if you have tried any of the ground handling agencies? You won't be working for the actual airlines but this option is a great way to get a foothold into the industry!

Here are a couple of them:
Aerocare:
http://aerocare.com.au/work-with-us/
Dnata:
http://www.dnata.com/english/careers/
Menzies Aviation:
http://www.menziesaviation.com/index/page/p/71/ref/Global-Contacts

Good Luck and Happy Flying!!! :)

[Tara S]

Wow thank you for the links Alex T... I'll get onto that tonight! ❤️✈️

[Stephen Brown]

What do you do in the industry Nigel C?

Nigel has the best job.........ever.......ever.....

[Adam W]

Have a look at QGS (Qantas Ground Services). They are a subsidiary of Qantas and is now where they recruit for Ramp, Baggage and Fleet Presentation (cabin cleaning) staff. They are not always the greatest to work for but pay ok and you will have access to staff travel and is a good way to get your foot in the door if you want go places in aviation. I know of many people who started out as cabin cleaners and have now got positions in customer service or even as flight attendants.

[Nigel C]

Nigel has the best job.........ever.......ever.....

Thanks Stephen. :)

I work in airfield operations Tara. I drive the cars and see the views as per this post http://yssyforum.net/board/showpost.php?p=98866&postcount=12

It's a good job :)


There are jobs available on the airfield as works safety officers (WSO's) at the moment. It is shift work, and there is a lot of night works happening right now, but it might be an avenue for you to get a foot in the door. It's not the type of work that suits everyone, but like everything it is what you make of it.
http://www.seek.com.au/job/30466547?tracking=ILC-S%2AAU%2A-JOR-Referrer-4324&utm_campaign=joraau&utm_medium=organic&utm_source=joraau

[Robert.M]

Another way of getting a foot in the door is to join a local/near by NSW RFS Aviation Support as a volunteer. You'll get to work up and close with aircraft when in operation. Training is provided (though you'll need to set aside a weekend but transport, food and accommodation is provided) during Winter/Spring at different locations.

I joined in March last year, undertook training in Nowra and only did two operations during the season (so far). Some volunteers have been lucky enough to get paid roles in aviation outside of the NSW RFS, while others have gotten a paid role in the NSW RFS.

[Michael Morrison]

I'll 2nd that the handling companies are a good way to getting your foot int he door and getting some one the job experience.

One suggestion though... If you are going for a ground based customer service job it is much more important to highlight your customer service skills/teamwork skills than being just an aviation enthusiast.

[Tara S]

Thank you so much to everyone who's been commenting on my thread. I'm truly grateful!

Just from posting this thread i'v learnt about so many things I didn't know before. Like the ground operation companies such as Aerocare.

Since starting the thread i'v applied for a role at Aerocare to which I got through to the pre-recorded interview part. This happened on Monday and I'm just waiting to hear back from them about that. I made sure I mentioned all my previous customer service experience and how I thrive from working in a 'team' environment so I hope i'v done enough to gain acceptance.

Tonight I'll be applying for the role as 'worksite safety officer' on seek. This is certainly something I can see myself doing.

If anyone's interested I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

Again thank you so much to all who've helped me in my quest to find my dream job.

Tara

[Tara S]

So just an update here on the outcome of my post..

I got through to the 'final interview' with Aero-care and they were quick to offer me the job! I start Monday April 4 and cannot wait.

I'll be starting from the bottom and working my way up.

First I'll be in baggage, then driving on the Tarmac and finally operating various cargo doors. This kind of heavy/hands on work I really love.

Eventually I would like to become a part of the Pitt crew, pushing aircraft back from the gate and marshelling them in too. I discussed this during my interview and they are very keen for me to go as far as I would like to go within the company which is fantastic as I have a lot of enthusiasm and drive in the industry.

Thank you again to all that helped me. I honestly wouldn't be in this position now if it wasn't for you!

Onwards and upwards! Finally my aviation career is about to take off!

Best wishes to everyone.

Tara ❤️✈️

[Nigel C]

Congrats! Enjoy the experience!

[Greg Hyde]

Best of Luck

Hope your dreams come true

[Yusef D]

Yay. Good on you.

[Mick F]

Which airline Tara?

[Nigel C]

It's Aerocare Mick, so she could be at either international or domestic serving any number of airlines, maybe even DHL freight?

[Mick F]

True, I just thought they may have given her some indication which airline she'll be specifically dealing with.

I don't believe they move them around, because we always have the same Aerocare staff working with us.

Mick

[Robert.M]

Congratulations Tara! :)

[Tara S]

Hey,

Thank you for the congratulations! I can't wait to get started.

I will be hearing from Aero-care any day now about my rosta for the coming week. I know they deal with lots of different airlines which is awesome because that means lots of different aircraft type too!

I didn't actually know they tend to stick you with a particular airline. I wasn't sure if maybe for a whole week I might be working for virgin and then the next for Qantas. I'm still feeling my way around and figuring out how all this works.

If anyone has any experiences or information please share..

Tara

[Rowan McKeever]

Hey Tara! Congrats on the new job, very happy for you :) This is a fab industry to work in & I'm totally jealous that your job is hands-on, because sadly mine isn't!

I don't believe Qantas uses Aerocare at SYD, and there are several international carriers who use QF for their ground handling. But you'll probably get to work with VA, JQ & some of the other internationals. I can believe they would keep people on specific airlines so they can be more familiar with aircraft types, operational requirements, etc.

Good luck & enjoy!

[Mick F]

I certainly don't know the exact ins and outs of how Aerocare allocate their staff, but I know that I consistently deal with the same staff all the time.

International probably deal with multiple airlines, but domestic is most likely only one.

And Qantas don't utilise Aerocare Tara.

Mick

[Michael Morrison]

Congrats on the job with Aerocare! I worked with them when I was starting my aviation career and since then I've gone on to work with Virgin Atlantic and EasyJet directly here in Europe. Working for a ground handler is a good way to get a foot in the door. Other people I worked with have also gone on to work with Virgin Australia and Qantas directly as well.

[Tara S]

Thank you Rowen for the kind words.

Ah I didn't know Qantas didn't use Aerocare at SYD, probably explains QF though. It says on Aerocares website that they service this airline but that must be at other hubs. Qantas are obviously more inclined to use their own ground handling service than that of others. I don't blame them, I'd do the exact same thing.

Rowen, do you currently work in the industry? If so, what do you do?

I have a couple of questions if anyone can answer. Is there much difference between working as ramp crew for an airline directly and working for a ground handling company?

I kind of assumed the hourly pay rate would be less working for Aerocare than say QF as the airline would have to pay Aerocare first then they take a cut of your hourly rate? Does this make sense or am I talking nonsense here?

Also why does everyone seem to start on casual in this role? It seems the go right across the board. I ticked the 'full time' box on my application and mentioned it in the interview and they seemed to assure me that eventually I'll get up to full time hours and maybe more if I'm really keen (which I will be by the way). With 6 weeks training to do I'll only be doing around 25 hrs per week. Maybe the faster I pick things up the more skills I'll Aquire and the more hours I'll work?

I'm taking a massive leap here to do something I'm so passionate about. I currently work as a vehicle spray painter and earn a good salary working 43 hours a week (average). Surely anyone coming into this industry would expect to be working full time (38 hrs) otherwise it can be hard to get by.

Tara

[Tara S]

Thank you Michael,

That's interesting most people go on to work directly for airlines. Getting my foot in the door is exactly what I needed and it seems i'v absolutely done the right thing here.

I'd imagine working for an airline you get all the cheap flight benefits too and probably earn a slightly higher hourly rate.

What do you do in the industry?

Tara

[Michael R]

Congrats Tara. Enjoy every minute of it. Any opportunity you get to do any type of course DO IT. The more equipment you get signed off on the better. You will meet a lot of people in the industry that will bag it, but you will find that majority of those people have no passion for aviation.