Airline Check-in Staff Get Recognised – Thanks to New National Certificate

Airline check-in staff around New Zealand can now gain formal recognition for their skills, with the launch of a new National Certificate in Aviation (Airline Check-in). 

ATTTO has worked with Air New Zealand’s Aviation Institute to develop the new specialist qualification for check-in staff. It recognises the range of skills and knowledge required by those involved in passenger handling within the aviation industry.

ATTTO Chief Executive Elizabeth Valentine says the Certificate covers everything from understanding airport security and dangerous goods, to customer service and specialist check-in skills – such as managing baggage and assisting unaccompanied minors.  “Air New Zealand has played a key role in the development of this qualification, ensuring it aligns with what really happens in the workplace.”

Air New Zealand Aviation Institute - School of Ground Operations Manager, Mike Drinkall, says the qualification’s development was part of a wider process by Air New Zealand and ATTTO to recognise the skills of those employed across various areas of the airline. “We’re already doing training with our ground operations teams and assessing their work to a high standard. It was logical for us to build formal qualifications around what we’re doing,” says Mike.  “The new check-in qualification provides recognition for staff, while helping them to gain unit standards they can use towards further training and other qualifications. It provides an increased level of quality control for us and a boost for trainees, helping them make themselves more marketable in their careers.”

The Certificate is made up of 10 unit standards from Levels 3 and 4 on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework. All unit standards are compulsory, meaning all trainees will acquire the same set of skills.  “This not only keeps things simple for employers and trainees, but it will set a very clear standard for training of airline check-in staff around the country. This is an exciting addition to our suite of qualifications for the airline industry,” says Elizabeth Valentine.