Therefore, learning how to carry on a conversation in an organized and pleasant manner is part of training. After completing classroom instruction, new agents work with supervisors or experienced agents for a period of time. During this time, their telephone conversations are monitored and reviewed. In contrast, automobile clubs, bus lines, and railroads train their clerks on the job, without formal classes. Other companies may conduct short in-house classes that can last several days.
Most clerks continue to be taught new procedures after their initial training ends.
People who want to enter this occupation should take courses in basic math, English, and geography. Knowledge of a foreign language is also useful. Good spelling, typing ability, and computer literacy are often needed. Bus lines often promote baggage clerks to ticket agents. Airlines sometimes promote baggage agents or reservation agents to ticket agents.