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While they are arguably the most popular choices in aviation, being a pilot or a cabin crew attendant are not the only career opportunities that young people can pursue.
In fact, according to the manager of aviation development, Pappie Maja, there are more than 45 career paths – which include aviation doctors, lawyers, engineers and even journalists.
The South African Civil Aviation Authority on Tuesday concluded a two-day aviation youth show where it invited select Grade 10 learners from 40 schools in Gqeberha and Kariega.
Twenty-one schools were hosted on Monday while 19 schools took part on Tuesday.
Maja said the initiative, was also in collaboration with Eastern Cape Education Department, was aimed at inspiring and educating school going learners doing Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, known as STEM subjects, on the range of opportunities within aviation.
He said there are dozens of career avenues that learners can explore.
“We, as the South African Aviation Authority have decided to come to the Eastern Cape to ensure we partner with the Department of Education and other key stakeholders in aviation, in order for us to expose previously disadvantaged learners from rural areas and townships to tell them more about the opportunities that are available in aviation.
“We've got about 45 career opportunities in aviation but most of the people only know about pilots and cabin crew.”
Some of the learners who attended include students from Soqhayisa Senior Secondary School in Motherwell, as well as learners from Strelitzia and KwaMagxaki High and Betram Senior Secondary, among others.
“The initiative works towards inspiring the next generation of aviation professionals,” Maja said.
