Last week, our Travel and Tourism students welcomed global aviation services provider, Swissport, for an engaging and informative session which explored career pathways within the aviation industry. 

The visit gave students valuable insight into the wide range of responsibilities involved in airport operations and highlighted the many career opportunities available within aviation following their course. Swissport representative, Joe Watkins, shared his own career journey, offering students a realistic and inspiring perspective on professional development within the sector. 

Swissport provides essential ground handling and airport services for airlines worldwide, managing everything from passenger check-in, gate support and baggage handling to aircraft ramp services, fuelling, cabin cleaning, de-icing and cargo warehouse operations. They play a crucial role in supporting efficient airline operations and delivering a high-quality passenger experience from landing to take-off. 

With many of our students considering Bristol Airport as a future place of work, Swissport presented itself as an excellent route into aviation. With a strong presence at Bristol Airport and operations across major airports around the world, Swissport offers both local and global career opportunities. 

During the session, Swissport covered a wide range of topics, including pathways into aviation, introductions to their teams and services, and the variety of roles available at Bristol Airport. Joe also outlined the application process and shared real-life success stories from within the company. 

For students interested in progressing within their role, Joe outlined the learning and development opportunities, clear progression routes and long-term career growth. Students were shown how employees can progress from entry-level roles through to professional positions, supervision and management. 

The session concluded with an overview of what Swissport looks for in candidates, highlighting the importance of both personal qualities and professional skills. This was a great opportunity for students to understand the desired attributes that companies look for during an application process, giving them insight of what to expect and how to best approach an interview. 

This visit provided an excellent opportunity for students to gain first-hand insight into the aviation industry, broaden their career horizons and better understand the pathways available to them within a global organisation such as Swissport. 

Thank you to Joe and the team at Swissport for sharing their invaluable insight and experiences with our students. 

This guest lecture forms part of the Travel and Tourism Careers Excellence Hub. Weston College's Career Excellence Hubs are designed to be the launching pad for our learners' careers. In a world where connections and relevant skills matter more than ever, these hubs offer a holistic approach that prepares learners to thrive in their chosen industries. With the support of these hubs, our learners are well-equipped to make a significant impact in their professional journeys.  

If you are passionate about education and are looking for an opportunity to join the staff team at a leading college, then look at the latest job vacancies available at Weston College here. You can find all the latest job opportunities that Weston College has to offer, with a commitment to providing quality education for learners and a focus on continuous professional development for staff, Weston College is an excellent place to work and grow in your career.