AIA Launches Diploma in Airport Operations

30 March 2004

Auckland International Airport launches Diploma in Airport Operations

New Zealand's first diploma specialising in airport operations was launched by Auckland International Airport Limited (AIAL) chief executive officer, Don Huse, last week.

The airport company is a registered training provider and has, since 1999, offered staff the ability to complete a National Certificate in Airport Operations. "The diploma takes the training another level up on the certificate, and gives our employees an even greater opportunity to expand their knowledge," Huse says, "The airport company has a strong belief in helping staff increase skill levels and providing for personal and professional growth."

The diploma is constructed around the work schedule of airport employees, and will be completed over a period of three years. The qualification has been developed in conjunction with the Aviation, Travel and Tourism Training Organisation (ATTTO), and will be run with assistance from the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT).

"At the moment there are 16 Auckland Airport employees participating in the qualification, and there has been interest from other New Zealand airports to follow AIAL's initiative, and give their staff the same opportunity."

The diploma, which commences on 2 April, is an NZQA qualification, and is taught by a combination of MIT lecturers and AIAL staff who have been trained as qualified assessors.

It covers a range of different aspects of airport operations, from management skills, finance and decision-making, environment, to airfield operations, safety and security.

Huse says that there are significant benefits in training within an operating airport. "It is a learning environment like no other. Each day participants can relate what they are taught in the classroom to what is occurring around them, and place real-life scenarios in context."

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