This page is updated when information changes, but it's always best to talk to your training provider to confirm course details before you enrol.
Overview
This qualification provides individuals with technical and non-technical aviation skills to operate effectively in a broad range of ground operations and service roles. Individuals working at this level will apply knowledge and skills to demonstrate autonomy and judgement and to take limited responsibility in known and stable contexts within established parameters. Licensing, legislative, regulatory and certification requirements that apply to this qualification can vary between states and territories. Compliance with these requirements may be required nationally and/or in various jurisdictions. Job role types may include:
- Baggage Operator
- Customer Service Operator
- Ground Operator
- Ramp Operator.
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Financial help
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Government funding is available for this course. Check your eligibility for:
*To be eligible for this funding, you have to do a traineeship.
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Cost
Course costs can vary by provider and location. Ask your training provider for a cost estimate.
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VET Student Loans are not available
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You may need to pay for equipment or materials.
To see how government funding could help to reduce the cost of your course, check your eligibility for funding.
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On-the-job training
- Completing this course through a traineeship can help you to learn the skills you need.
This traineeship is available:
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Entry requirements
This course doesn't have any entry requirements. It could be a good starting point for your career.
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Duration
You complete this course when you’ve learned the skills, not after a set amount of time. The times shown are estimates.
- Through traineeship:
2 years - Qualification only:
1–2 years
- Through traineeship:
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Delivery options
You may be able to access this training in these ways:
Course content
This course is made up of units.
All courses have core units—these are mandatory for completing the course. Most courses also have elective units, which you can choose from to suit your needs and interests. Not all training providers offer every elective, so check with your provider to find out which electives they can offer you.
For more information about course content, talk to your training provider or visit the National Training Register.
| Unit | Unit type |
|---|---|
| Apply aircraft safety procedures | Core |
| Apply aviation work health and safety procedures | Core |
| Apply awareness of dangerous goods and hazardous materials requirements | Core |
| Apply quality systems | Core |
| Contribute to the achievement of on-time performance standards | Core |
| Implement regulations and policies during aviation safety and service operations | Core |
| Maintain security awareness and vigilance in an aviation workplace | Core |
| Manage human factors and situational awareness in an aviation operational environment | Core |
| Process workplace documentation | Core |
| Undertake emergency response action to a security threat | Core |
| Work effectively in the aviation industry | Core |
| Accept dangerous goods for air transport | Elective |
| Advise on and construct fares for customers | Elective |
| Advise on major services and attractions at aviation destinations | Elective |
| Apply and monitor aviation workplace security procedures | Elective |
| Book tourism products and process documentation | Elective |
| Calculate mass, area and quantify dimensions | Elective |
| Check in aircraft passengers | Elective |
| Complete aircraft dispatch duties | Elective |
| Complete receival and despatch documentation | Elective |
| Conduct baggage handling operations | Elective |
| Conduct radio procedures in an aviation operational environment | Elective |
| Consolidate manifest documentation | Elective |
| Construct advanced international airfares | Elective |
| Construct international airfares | Elective |
| Coordinate aircraft movements and storage | Elective |
| Coordinate business operational plans | Elective |
| Deliver and monitor a service to customers | Elective |
| Drive heavy combination vehicle | Elective |
| Drive heavy rigid vehicle | Elective |
| Drive on the airside | Elective |
| Identify and label explosives/dangerous goods | Elective |
| Lead a work team | Elective |
| Maintain business resources | Elective |
| Maintain freight records | Elective |
| Manage a check-in queue | Elective |
| Manage disruptive behaviour and unlawful interference with aviation | Elective |
| Marshal aircraft | Elective |
| Operate aeronautical radio | Elective |
| Operate aircraft embarkation and disembarkation equipment | Elective |
| Operate aircraft refuelling nozzle | Elective |
| Operate baggage tug | Elective |
| Operate coach/bus | Elective |
| Operate ramp equipment | Elective |
| Operate vehicle carrying special loads | Elective |
| Plan an aircraft load | Elective |
| Prepare workplace documents | Elective |
| Provide assistance to transit and arriving passengers | Elective |
| Provide First Aid | Elective |
| Provide quality customer service | Elective |
| Refuel aircraft | Elective |
| Secure cargo | Elective |
| Source airfares and issue tickets for domestic flights | Elective |
| Support effective workplace relationships | Elective |
| Transfer cargo | Elective |
| Use a computerised reservations or operations system | Elective |
| Use infotechnology devices in the workplace | Elective |
| Work in a team | Elective |
Job prospects
The Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service) sets you up for roles like these, but the skills you learn could take you even further.
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Call Centre or Contact Centre Operator
ANZSCO 541112
Call Centre or Contact Centre Operators answer customer telephone calls, as well as Internet and email inquiries about goods and services, and promote the goods and services on the business.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III -
Aircraft Baggage Handler and Airline Ground Crew
ANZSCO 721911
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.
Recommended education level:
Certificate II or III
Training providers delivering Certificate III in Aviation (Ground Operations and Service)
It's a good idea to research multiple training providers to make sure you're getting the right training for you.
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Industry Delivered Training (RTO code 40460)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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ISS Training Pty Ltd (RTO code 45519)
Government funding
- Skills Assure Supplier
Contact this provider
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Blackwater State High School (RTO code 30052)
Contact this provider
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Chopperline Flight Training (RTO code 31633)
Contact this provider
How to enrol in this course
To enrol, choose a training provider that offers this course. You can see provider details on this page.
When you find one that you think suits you, visit their website or contact them directly to confirm details like start dates, fees, funding, delivery locations and delivery options.
The provider will guide you through the enrolment process.
How do apprenticeships and traineeships work?
Apprenticeships and traineeships let you combine hands-on work experience with training. You’ll gain job-ready skills and earn an income while you complete a qualification.
As an apprentice or a trainee, you work with an employer while completing your training. Most of your time is spent learning on the job, with some classroom or online training to support the skills you're developing in the workplace.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Find out more about apprenticeships and traineeships.
See more information about the apprenticeship or traineeship you’re interested in pursuing on the Queensland Training Information Service.
How long will this course take?
This course is competency-based training, which means you progress as you demonstrate your skills and knowledge, rather than in a set amount of time.
The duration shown here is an estimate for full-time study based on how long most people take to complete the course. You may finish earlier than other people, or it may take you a bit longer.
If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get credits or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the time needed for training.
Duration for apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships take longer than doing the qualification on its own, but you learn valuable hands-on skills.
For some jobs, you may need to do an apprenticeship or traineeship before you are allowed to work as a qualified tradesperson. For example, you need to do an apprenticeship if you want to work as a licensed electrician.
Learn about how courses are delivered
Different courses have different delivery options. Consider your needs when you’re researching courses. Some courses may be delivered entirely online or partially online. Others may be delivered in a classroom.
Some courses, like those delivered through apprenticeships and traineeships, are mostly based in the workplace but with some classroom or online study.
If a certain type of delivery is important to you, talk to your provider before you enrol to make sure they offer that delivery option.
How to reduce the cost of your course
There are lots of ways you can reduce the cost of your course.
- The government could partly or fully cover the cost of your course. See information about financial help and government funding on this page.
- The government also offers funding for some costs related to your course.
- If you’ve already completed training or have worked in a relevant area, you could get a cost credit or recognition of prior learning. This can reduce the training you need to complete a qualification, which could reduce the cost.
Learn about financial help and government funding
The main cost of training is usually the course fees, which vary depending on things like which course and training provider you choose.
You may be able to get your training for free or at a reduced cost, or you could get help with paying for training-related costs. You can also pay for some courses with a VET Student Loan.
Find out more about getting help paying for your training or check if you're eligible.
What are entry requirements?
Some courses have conditions you need to meet before you can enrol in the course. They help make sure you have the right background or skills for the training.
Entry requirements might include a certain education level, skills or knowledge, work status, or experience.