As part of our ‘Expert Insights’ series, we are highlighting the career journey of Michèle Houlbert, Head of Career Support at Airsup, a training organisation specialising in airport-related professions.
Michèle Houlbert joined Airsup in 2016 after a distinguished career spanning more than 30 years at Air France. She now puts her expertise to good use in supporting the many candidates applying for ground handling roles: reception, check-in, ramp operations, and more.
As a trainer, Michèle is committed to instilling the core values of the airport sector: maintaining impeccable professional conduct and appearance to ensure high-quality service; a high standard of excellence and rigour in carrying out assistance duties; and attentiveness and responsibility to guarantee safety at all times.
A wonderful but demanding activity
“Working at an airport, interacting with passengers from all walks of life and seeing amazing aircraft, is the stuff of dreams. It is, however, one of the most demanding sectors, and there are many constraints.”
The importance of combining theoretical and practical training
“Supporting and enabling learners to join the staff of world-renowned international airlines is an ongoing and rewarding challenge.
Training in the realities of airport roles – such as stress, shift work and dealing with the unexpected – also involves role-play and practical scenarios. This is how we can best prepare the staff of tomorrow.
The same applies to trainers: a highly experienced person will not always make a good instructor, and, conversely, a professional trainer who is too out of touch with the practical side of things will not be able to provide everything that is needed.”
Open to as many people as possible through a variety of programmes
“There are many different ways to enter the ground handling sector. And that is one of the sector’s strengths: it is open to as many people as possible.
Whatever your age or background, there are solutions available: apprenticeships, individual employment readiness programmes (POEI France Travail), short initial training courses leading to qualifications…
However, a comprehensive training programme will always be necessary. Obtaining all the necessary qualifications and certifications is essential.”
Listening to both the candidates and the handlers
“For Airsup, a candidate is, above all, a unique individual, with their own talents and expectations.”
It is up to us to recommend him to the company that is the best fit for him and that can help him build a solid and suitable career path.
Hiring them is a sign of success. Helping them grow and instilling confidence in their long-term plans is an even more powerful goal.”