Careers and Employment
At the completion of this course, there are four main career paths a graduate can follow.
Flight Attendant
Every day as a flight attendant is a unique encounter with new people and new challenges. As a flight attendant you may be required to fly to several different destinations domestically or internationally. This is a prestigious role that calls for immense responsibility. It requires operational excellence in safety and emergency procedures, security awareness and the highest level of customer care.
There are several duties that a flight attendant is responsible for on a flight including:
- Communication of in-flight safety briefing
- Food and beverage service
- Attending to customer queries
- Selling the destination
- Provide support to the senior flight attendant and flight crew.
A flight attendant must also have the following attributes:
- Hold a valid First Aid Certificate
- Be able to swim 50m unaided
- Be able to reach over head lockers and safety equipment. This restriction may vary for different airlines. Air New Zealand requires their flight attendants to be 160cm or taller.
Customer Service Assistant
Debatably, one of the most fast-paced roles in aviation, a customer service assistant must have exceptional customer service and technical skills. Based in the dynamic airport environment, a CSA is always on their feet and may be required to assist landside or airside.
Apart from providing general customer care at the airport, a CSA is also required to assist with:
- Checking in
- Specific needs passengers through their journey
- Escorting unaccompanied minors at both ends of a flight
- Making public announcements
- Ensuring a smooth journey for all passengers
Call Centre Consultant
Call centre consultant is a key role in an airline as it is usually the first point of contact between the passenger and the airline. Essentially, they are the voice of the airline and provide passengers with the booking experience whether it’s a family vacation or a newly weds’ honeymoon. A call centre consultant is expected to:
- Make flight reservations
- Provide fare quotes
- Book holiday packages
- Assist with frequent flyer points queries
- Assist with all other flight and booking queries
Travel Agent
A travel agent helps people from all walks of life with their travel needs. It could be booking an exciting and adventurous package or a relaxing getaway. They have the ability to arrange an unforgettable and affordable holiday by combining different airlines and hotels. Depending on the agency of employment, travel agents are given the opportunity to visit destinations as famils where they assess several hotels and tourist attractions.
Although these roles are the primary branches of the course, a graduate is not in any way limited by them. Other opportunities exist in areas like the VIP lounges, retail stores at the airport and also in the wider tourism industry like Hotels and Restaurants.
As a result of gaining these qualifications, graduates have successfully been employed by various companies such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, Emirates, Menzies Aviation, Gulf Air, Pacific Blue, Auckland International Airport, Jetstar and many others.
