Cape Town - In an effort to help boost jobs and attract candidates to the aviation industry, low-cost carrier Mango this week launched its national career and job shadow programme.
The programme, designed to engage young South Africans, was inspired by a successful pilot career day hosted at Lanseria International Airport in October 2012."Aviation is a primary driver and mirror of economic growth and, in an environment where skill is at a constant premium, the importance of attracting talent and interest for the sector cannot be underestimated,” said Mango CEO Nico Bezuidenhout.
Bezuidenhout has this week been touted to run the affairs of state airline SAA.
He said aviation is a complex industry where career opportunities beyond the flight deck and cabin crew are endless.
"Whether marketing, human resources, engineering, ramp, or check-in agent – it is possible to craft a rewarding career within the sector.”
Referring to transformation, Bezuidenhout said Mango's mandate of reaching out to South Africans stretch beyond making air travel more accessible and affordable.
"By educating and encouraging learners to explore various vocations one indirectly lowers the barriers to entry to many opportunities.
"Also, transformation must occur at all levels in order to secure a sustainable future for all South Africans.
"Mango answers this call not only as a responsible corporate citizen, but as a national asset. Our objective is to contribute to greater national efforts and lead the aviation industry from the starting block," he said.
A comprehensive job-shadowing programme, providing learners with practical and first hand experiences, will also be available during the third quarter on the year.