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

This was one of my dream jobs.

What is your job?

We’re there to help load and unload cargo and baggage onto aircrafts. We also load special goods and make sure they’re secure as well.

What do you do day-to-day?

It varies. We do a mixture of early and late shifts. A typical day is an eight and a half hour shift, and you might load between four and seven aircraft per day.

What did you study in school?

GCSE-wise I did Geography, History and Drama and I got Cs in Maths and English.

What skills do you use in your work?

We use a lot of teamwork, because you typically work in a team with four other people. You have to have patience as well, because sometimes things don’t go right. Also, not being complacent, because safety always has to be our first priority and you have to stay alert. We use a lot of communication in the team and a lot of time management, because you have to keep to departure times.

Is this the job you always wanted to do?

It was one of my dream jobs. I did Uniformed Public Service at college and I looked toward the ambulance service, but near the end I didn’t think it was for me.

Was it a smooth ride?

When I finished college, I went into work full-time at a theme park, which was more customer-facing, then I applied for my apprenticeship at the airport. The apprenticeship has been challenging – since you’re in an operational environment, no two days are the same. You have good days and bad days, but the people you work with help you get through it.

Top tips

• Focus hard and try to get your Maths and English GCSEs

• Customer-facing roles can be really helpful to teach you how to interact with passengers.

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.

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