NATIONAL NEWS - Low cost airline Mango this month launched its company-wide internship programme with an intake of 42 previously unemployed young females at its headquarters.
The project sees the airline’s Career Day and youth development programme come full circle; from piquing interest in aviation careers through to the provision of internship opportunities. The young South Africans will gain experience across several aspects of the business while the majority are being trained as cabin crew along with five working toward formal qualifications in Flight Dispatch.
Mango is the only low cost airline actively involved inspiring youth and attracting new talent to the aviation sector.
“Over the past 36 months Mango Career Days have touched the lives of more than 75 000 young South Africans across the country,” says spokesperson Hein Kaiser. “The launch of our internship programme completes the equation.”
Recruits in the programme originate from across the country. Mango Career Days have seen the airline visit both urban and remote geographic areas throughout all 9 provinces. The events comprise either large exhibits or informal visits and talks at schools.
This year the airline plans further outreach programmes. “We intend broadening our reach and working with other role players in the aviation industry to create interest, inspire the pursuit of education and create opportunities for South African aviation’s generation-next,” says Kaiser. “Aviation is a complex sector and one of the few all-encompassing industries where an incredibly wide variety of skills are in demand. Marketing, finance, ground handling operations through to air traffic control, flight dispatch, pilots and cabin crew. As the company grows, so too do opportunities within our employee family.
