Aviation professionals call for stronger training pathways for aspiring Ghanaian youth

Aviation professionals have advocated for enhanced training pathways and career guidance to enable more young Ghanaians to pursue careers in the aviation industry. Despite many youngsters harboring aspirations to become pilots, cabin crew members, or other aviation professionals, insufficient access to information and structured training remains a significant barrier to entry.

This perspective was articulated at the Take Off Experience, an initiative founded by Ivy Hammond to connect aspiring aviation professionals with practical guidance on entering the sector.

Ms Hammond created the platform in response to her observations that while aspiring professionals possess ambitions, they frequently lack the necessary information and direction to actualize these dreams. The Take Off Experience aims to bridge the gap between preparation and the aviation industry, with Hammond expressing her aspiration to cultivate a pool of Ghanaian aviation professionals capable of fulfilling various roles within the sector.

However, she cautioned that pursuing a career in aviation demands more than just aspirations; it requires preparation, discipline, and a willingness to work diligently.

Former cabin crew member Josephine Smart, now retired, praised the initiative as a timely intervention, calling for the expansion of similar programs to provide young people with a comprehensive understanding of the realities of aviation careers. Smart highlighted that recruitment into cabin crew roles is not consistent, occurring only when airlines need additional crew members.

She further suggested that an increase in the number of airlines operating in Ghana could generate more employment opportunities for aspiring aviation professionals. Additionally, Smart expressed optimism regarding plans to establish a new national airline and revive Ghana Airways, anticipating these initiatives could create additional job opportunities for young professionals in the aviation sector.

Retired Flight Lieutenant Kelly Yemoh Quarshie supported the Take Off Experience, emphasizing the importance of such platforms in providing answers to career opportunities in aviation. However, he stressed that while individual initiatives are beneficial, a broader national effort is also required to develop the necessary skills and personnel for the aviation industry.

Quarshie expressed concern over the lack of structured training opportunities for various aviation professions, including pilots, air traffic controllers, cabin crew, and ticketing personnel, indicating the need for a more coordinated approach to aviation education and workforce development.