Jump directly to main content Jump directly to menu
Travel and Tourism

Level 2 Diploma in Aviation Environment NCFE

Level 2 · Full-Time · 1 year full-time

Learn how airports and airlines really work, from check-in and security to marshalling aircraft on the runway. Whether you want to work in airport operations, aviation security, or progress to cabin crew training, this is where your aviation career starts.

Next Open Event · 25th June 4:30pm to 7:00pm

Book Now

Key Facts

  • Level Level 2
  • Duration 1 year full-time
  • Study Mode Full-Time
  • Entry GCSE 3+ Maths & English
  • Age 16+

Leads to airport careers or progression to the Cabin Crew course

Admissions

Entry Requirements

What You'll Need

  • GCSE Maths at grade 3 or above
  • GCSE English at grade 3 or above
  • Successful interview with our team
  • Initial assessment in Maths and English
Need GCSE support? If you haven't yet achieved grade 4 in Maths or English, you'll study for these alongside your course. We offer GCSE resit support, and it's built into your timetable.
What You'll Learn

The Full Picture of How Aviation Works

This isn’t just theory in a classroom. You’ll train in a real airline cabin, use actual airport scanners, and learn aircraft marshalling — the same skills used at airports around the world. Our tutors have real airline experience, so when they teach you something, you know it’s how it’s actually done.

You’ll understand the full journey — from a passenger checking in, through security, to the aircraft being loaded, marshalled, and turned around for its next flight. Whether you want to work on the ground or progress to cabin crew, this knowledge gives you a head start over candidates who only know one part of the operation.

Core Units

  • Health & Safety in Aviation
  • Aviation Security
  • Aviation Communications
  • Customer Service in Aviation
  • Problem Solving in Aviation
  • Sales Skills
  • Dangerous Goods Awareness

Practical Units

  • Check-in Process & Documentation
  • Passenger Baggage Processing
  • Passengers with Special Needs
  • Ground Service Operations
  • Loading and Unloading
  • Aircraft Marshalling
  • Aircraft Turn Around
Where It Leads

Career Pathways After This Course

Ground-Based Careers

Work at airports

If you want to work in aviation but stay on the ground, this course qualifies you directly for roles in airport operations, security, and customer service. With DSA reopening, these jobs are growing locally.

  • Aviation Security
  • Check-in Agent
  • Ground Handler
  • Airport Customer Service
  • Baggage Operations
  • Aircraft Dispatcher

Progress to Cabin Crew

Get paid to see the world

Complete this course successfully and you're eligible for our Cabin Crew course. Airlines like Emirates, BA, and EasyJet recruit cabin crew, and our students have gone on to work for them.

  • Airline Cabin Crew
  • Private Jet Crew
  • Cabin Crew Trainer
  • Flight Services Manager
Age note: The Cabin Crew course requires you to be 17+ by 31st Aug. If you're 16 now and want to become cabin crew, this course prepares you while you wait.
Our Facilities

Train With Real Equipment

Our aviation suite has the same equipment you'll find at airports. When students say "it's like a real cabin," they mean it.

  • Aircraft Cabin Simulator

    Full-size cabin with authentic seating, galleys, and emergency equipment

  • Security Screening Equipment

    Real airport scanners so you can learn proper security procedures

  • Check-in Training Area

    ractice passenger processing, documentation, and customer service

2022 FE Prospectus Travel-2307

Our aviation training cabin at The Hub

Real Airline Equipment
Nevaeh

Nevaeh

Level 2 Air Cabin Crew

Student Voice

College has helped me become more independent and confident. I’ve enjoyed learning new things, especially doing flight attendant role plays, as I want to work in cabin crew. It’s been a great experience, and I’m glad I had the chance to study here.

For Parents & Carers

Supporting Your Child's Journey

Real Career Prospects

These qualifications lead to real jobs. Our courses are built around the skills that employers are actually hiring for — locally and nationally.

See career options

Tutors With Real Experience

Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the workplace, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.

Our facilities

GCSE Support Built In

If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.

About student support

Financial Support Available

Bursaries are available, and free meals are provided for those who qualify. If cost is a concern, there's help — and it's straightforward to apply.

Financial support info

Come to an Open Event · 25th June 4:30pm to 7:00pm

See the facilities, meet the tutors, ask your questions in person.

Book Your Place
For Careers Advisers

Quick Reference Guide

Level

Level 2

Duration

1 year full-time

Study Mode

Full-Time

Entry

GCSE 3+ Maths & English

Age

16+

Progression Routes

Route A: Aviation Environment → Employment (security, ground ops, check-in)

Route B: Aviation Environment → Cabin Crew (L2) → Travel & Tourism (L3) → Employment or HE

Route C: Aviation Environment → Travel & Tourism (L3) → Employment or HE

Ready to Start Your Aviation Career?

Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.

Questions? Call free 0800 358 7575 or email dcinfocentre@don.ac.uk