WORKING in a plane and getting to fly all over the world is one of the best careers a youngster can pursue.
As part of Youth Month, South African Airways (SAA) invited pupils to learn about different career opportunities during its annual Youth Careers Summit.
The summit took place at Airways Park and brought together over 2 000 Gauteng pupils from grades 9 to 11 as well as students from Ekurhuleni East College and other TVET institutions.
The summit was aimed at starting a conversation about skill requirements and opportunities in aviation. The event also highlighted the wide range of career options available for youth in the aviation industry.
Pupils and students were told about the number of professional aviation disciplines such as engineering, flight operations, logistics, catering, aircraft maintenance, aviation medicine and aviation law.
Visitors were told about the various skills needed to run an airline.
SAA spokesman Tlali Tlali said, as a state-owned company with a mandate that included supporting the national developmental agenda, they understand the importance of contributing towards transforming the country by creating economic empowerment as well as providing training and skills development for the youth.
“With 40% of SAA’s workforce being younger than 40 and 19% aged between 32 and 37, the summit was an ideal platform to demonstrate exciting opportunities available to the youth in this diverse and dynamic industry.”
New exhibitors at this year’s summit included Denel Aerospace, which showed the latest version of its Cheetah aircraft, the South African Police Services, the Civil Aviation Authority, Mango Airlines and the Transport Education Training Authority.
“It’s always rewarding to host and engage with young people during the summit. Not only is it an opportunity to educate but it is also a means for us to gain insight into future hopes and aspirations of young people.
“A total of 262 apprentices are already undergoing training this year with another intake of 40 more. Interns will begin training on 15 July in a variety of fields which will prepare them for opportunities in the aviation industry.”
