Bosses at Bristol Airport are running a major recruitment drive in a bid to address the disruption caused by staff shortages. A third jobs fair is being held on Thursday, June 9, to advertise around 150 jobs re-available across all the different parts of the busy airport that is often used by passengers from Wales.
It is a bid to fill the positions that have been left after it struggled to recruit to fill the gaps left by Covid and Brexit and some come with a £500 joining bonus. Bristol Airport, like airports across the UK, has struggled to cope with the return of large numbers of people flying off on holiday in 2022 with the relaxation of Covid pandemic travel rules. The airport, baggage handling companies, and airlines have struggled to hire people to fill the jobs that were lost in 2020 when lockdown first hit.
That has led to huge queues at check-in desks, baggage drop sites, and security in the airport with queues out of the door of the terminal becoming a common sight. There have also been problems and delays getting passengers and baggage off planes that have arrived with regular complaints about delays of hours from passengers who have already landed. Airlines themselves have struggled to fulfil all the flights they have schedules, especially easyJet, with cancellations a daily norm now. Follow live updates here.
A spokeswoman for the airport said there were a variety of jobs offering varying salaries and hours as they try to fill as many vacancies as possible before the peak summer rush. The jobs range from a senior electrical engineer to retail and catering roles. The spokeswoman said that the fairs have been "successful and are well-attended".
Some of the jobs that are advertised on the airport's website are:
Heavy vehicle engineer
Wage: £39,644 per annum rising to £40,344 after approximately 12 months and successful completion of training
Hours: Four 12-hour shifts from 6am to 6pm followed by four days off
Description: Our engineers provide essential automotive and preventative maintenance, carry out repairs and technical services on a range of our airport vehicles every day. This is a fantastic opportunity for a fully-skilled engineer to support in the day-day activities of the motor transport department, ensuring they are conducted in a safe, efficient, and smooth-running manner.
Lounge services host
Wage: £11 per hour
Hours: Various shifts
Description: Working with Swissport looking after passengers.
Customer service representative
Wage: £26,280
Hours: R otated shift pattern of three days on, three days off, 12 hours per day. Branch operating hours are between 3am and 1am (12 hours per day only within this schedule but subject to change during peak periods).
Description: Global Exchange is a leading company in the provision of foreign currency exchange services based at international airports. As part of this growth Global Exchange is beginning operations in the UK and have opportunities for full-time customer service representatives at Bristol Airport. They are looking for individuals who are sales-motivated, energetic, numerate, responsible, and reliable and can demonstrate the ability to remain calm under pressure. You must be able to provide a five-year reference history in order to meet airport airside pass requirements.
Superdrug retail shifts
Wage: Age 18-21: £8.44ph; Age 21-22: £10.21ph; Age 23-plus: £10.45ph
Hours: Evenings, afternoons, early mornings, weekends, and nights
Description: Superdrug are currently recruiting for a whole host of sales advisers positions across a whole spectrum of shifts. Suitable for a student looking for part-time work for the holidays or looking for something a bit more permanent.
Hospitality jobs
Wage: Hourly pay of £11.07 up to £15.07 with £500 joining bonus. You will earn an extra £4 per hour for hours worked between 12am and 6am.
Hours; Various shifts are available throughout the day.
Description: Various jobs available throughout the airport.
Kitchen assistant
Wage: £11.50 up to £15.50 per hour plus £500 joining bonus
Shifts: Various ones throughout the day and you earn an extra £4 for hours worked between midnight and 6am.
Description: Working in the airport's Brunel Bar
Ramp and safety manager
Wage: £33,000
Shifts: Various shifts
Description: The ramp and safety manager will have oversight of the ramp operations for both PRM and airside coaching. Driving safety on the ramp whilst also being responsible for the health, safety, and welfare of both staff and passengers.
Ramp services agent
Wage: £11 per hour
Shifts: Various shifts
Description: They say it is ideal if you like working in a dynamic environment.
Dispatch agent (operations)
Wage: £11 per hour
Shifts: Various shifts
Description: Working for Swissport which is the world's leading provider of ground and air cargo services.
Customer service agent
Wage: £10.50 per hour
Shifts: Six days on and three days off with various shifts available
Description:: Front of house colleague, part-time and full-time roles available. Airside pass and DBS check fully funded and free parking.
Silver Zone operations assistant
Wage: £25,071
Shifts: Work two 12-hour shifts from 6am to 6pm then two 12-hour night shifts from 6pm-6am followed by four days off.
Description: Assisting with the smooth and efficient running of the valet parking operation. Supporting in the logistics of the car park vehicle movements and ensuring the safe custody of vehicles and car keys.
Ground transportation operations coordinator
Wage: £34,356
Shifts: Work two 12-hour shifts from 6am to 6pm then two 12-hour night shifts from 6pm to 6am followed by four days off.
Description: Reporting into the ground transport duty manager you’ll be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the airport car parks, road networks, and bus services.
Silver Zone host
Wage: £22,848 per annum
Shifts: Work two 12-hour shifts from 6am to 6pm then two 12-hour night shifts from 6pm to 6am followed by four days off.
Description: You’ll be the welcoming face greeting and guiding passengers through the check-in process at the Silver Zone block car park.
PCV driver
Wage: £25,071 per annum
Shifts: Different shift patterns available
Description: Responsible for driving the shuttle buses.
