SriLankan offers cabin crew training programme

TRAINING: The International Aviation Academy, the training arm of SriLankan Airlines, is offering young men and women the opportunity of commencing exciting careers in aviation by training as Cabin Crew.

Manager Human Resources Development at SriLankan Airlines Sanjeeva Jayatilleke said: “SriLankan Airlines has been training young Sri Lankans for rewarding careers as cabin crew with the National Carrier for nearly three decades.

We are now offering this course to external participants, who can use it as a qualification when applying to other airlines around the world. We have already had an excellent response to this course.”

Applicants must satisfy certain criteria, including educational qualifications (GCE Ordinary Level), age limits, minimum height and weight requirements, and being unmarried. Selection is also dependant on an interview. Classes are held at the IAA premises in Katunayake, using Sri Lankan Airlines custom-built-training facilities.

Senior Executive Operations and Business Promotions at IAA Fiona Elias, who is the course Co-ordinator, said: “This is the chance for a young person to embark on a career which will literally take him or her across the world. Participants in the seven-week programme are given comprehensive training in all areas related to cabin crew.

These include food and beverage, communications, customer service, grooming, etiquette, safety, first aid, passenger handling, assertive skills, and emotional intelligence. Successful participants are presented a Certificate from the IAA.”

The course includes practical exposure such as live fire-fighting, slide drills and ditching. The IAA uses both external and internal instructors. Participants are tested in different subjects at the end of each module.