4 answers
Onikwa
Student
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
1
Question
Asked
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Hi I'm Onikwa I'm based in Cape Town South Africa and I kinda want to be a flight attendant but I want to see how it is first before, so I wanted to ask can I job shadow a flight attendant and if so which websites can I go to, to apply for a job shadowing Thanks in advance
And what do I need for job shadowing
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4 answers
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1903
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Onikwa !
Good question !
In order to become a Flight Attendant in South Africa, you should have a South African Passport and a National Senior Certificate or a Matric Certificate. You will then need to go through the necessary training at a cabin crew training program. There are different duration of times for this training depending on the particular training program but they are mostly 3 - 6 weeks. You'd have to explore this for the exact programs and how long they take. Sky Aviation Academy in your city gives this training and you'd be able to get your license from them, too.
You will need customer service skills as well as be familiar with the eleven different languages spoken in South Africa and also have first aid training. Once you have this all together, you will be able to apply to airlines for your career job as a Flight Attendant. You will not be able to shadow or be in a plane other then being a ticket holding passenger. You do not need to be a flight attendant now, wait until you finish school and are eligible to take the training. Can you imagine how many people are curious about this career and if they let everyone shadow them ? There are great liabilities in flight and maybe the next time you take a trip you can observe the flight attendants but it won't be exactly how your career would be. There are some things that you can do now to learn more about the career, but shadowing is not possible for so many reasons - how long you may be away from your home during an overlay for the next flight you shadow, insurance liabilities, the need for strategic movements within a small space and autonomy is needed by the flight attendants, so many other reasons especially that all seats are expected to be ticket holding passengers because it is a business.
You can find out more about this career by going online or to your local Library to read about this career. There are many resources online that you can use to learn as much as you need to make a decision about this career. You can also go to You Tube and search there for videos of flight attendants talking about their career and what it is like. So all is not lost because shadowing is not an option. You'll find out all you need to know from online websites, books and videos. Then it's just a matter of time when you finish secondary school and find a cabin training program and take the necessary process.
I wish you all the best moving forward with this exciting future career !
Good question !
In order to become a Flight Attendant in South Africa, you should have a South African Passport and a National Senior Certificate or a Matric Certificate. You will then need to go through the necessary training at a cabin crew training program. There are different duration of times for this training depending on the particular training program but they are mostly 3 - 6 weeks. You'd have to explore this for the exact programs and how long they take. Sky Aviation Academy in your city gives this training and you'd be able to get your license from them, too.
You will need customer service skills as well as be familiar with the eleven different languages spoken in South Africa and also have first aid training. Once you have this all together, you will be able to apply to airlines for your career job as a Flight Attendant. You will not be able to shadow or be in a plane other then being a ticket holding passenger. You do not need to be a flight attendant now, wait until you finish school and are eligible to take the training. Can you imagine how many people are curious about this career and if they let everyone shadow them ? There are great liabilities in flight and maybe the next time you take a trip you can observe the flight attendants but it won't be exactly how your career would be. There are some things that you can do now to learn more about the career, but shadowing is not possible for so many reasons - how long you may be away from your home during an overlay for the next flight you shadow, insurance liabilities, the need for strategic movements within a small space and autonomy is needed by the flight attendants, so many other reasons especially that all seats are expected to be ticket holding passengers because it is a business.
You can find out more about this career by going online or to your local Library to read about this career. There are many resources online that you can use to learn as much as you need to make a decision about this career. You can also go to You Tube and search there for videos of flight attendants talking about their career and what it is like. So all is not lost because shadowing is not an option. You'll find out all you need to know from online websites, books and videos. Then it's just a matter of time when you finish secondary school and find a cabin training program and take the necessary process.
I wish you all the best moving forward with this exciting future career !
Mecca Murrell
2
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Mecca’s Answer
If you're interested in pursuing a career as a flight attendant, a great place to start is by reaching out to airlines in Cape Town, like South African Airways, Mango Airlines, or Kulula. They might have opportunities for you to shadow their staff and get a feel for the job. You could also consider contacting aviation academies or even the South African Air Force. They often have educational programs or work experience that can give you a deeper understanding of the profession. Don't forget to connect with industry professionals on platforms like LinkedIn or join local aviation groups. They can offer valuable advice and might even refer you to potential opportunities. Lastly, keep an eye on the careers sections of airline websites. They often list internship or observation programs that could be just what you're looking for.
Dino Ubalde
Educator/Psychologist/Life Coach
204
Answers
Tracy, California
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Onikwa, thanks for getting in touch with us. We're optimistic that we can provide the answers you're seeking.
From my own experience, if you're interested in training to become a flight attendant, you'll need to join a school that offers training for careers in the tourism industry. This connection between the school and the airline company is crucial for the safety of all involved. As a student, you'll have the opportunity to delve into your area of interest while adhering to safety regulations. The school, in turn, will be in charge of ensuring your well-being and security. These safety protocols are strictly enforced as part of standard operating procedures.
I'm not certain if airlines permit job shadowing for career exploration. However, if you're keen on exploring this field, consider reaching out to an airline company's operations department, which handles student training and development. You never know, they might be open to your request.
Additionally, you could ask someone you know or even reach out to someone on social media who works in an airline company. They might be able to tell you if your request is feasible. If that doesn't work out, consider approaching a local school and inquire about programs related to your area of interest.
From my own experience, if you're interested in training to become a flight attendant, you'll need to join a school that offers training for careers in the tourism industry. This connection between the school and the airline company is crucial for the safety of all involved. As a student, you'll have the opportunity to delve into your area of interest while adhering to safety regulations. The school, in turn, will be in charge of ensuring your well-being and security. These safety protocols are strictly enforced as part of standard operating procedures.
I'm not certain if airlines permit job shadowing for career exploration. However, if you're keen on exploring this field, consider reaching out to an airline company's operations department, which handles student training and development. You never know, they might be open to your request.
Additionally, you could ask someone you know or even reach out to someone on social media who works in an airline company. They might be able to tell you if your request is feasible. If that doesn't work out, consider approaching a local school and inquire about programs related to your area of interest.
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6313
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Onikwa,
Can You Shadow a Flight Attendant?
Absolutely, you have the opportunity to shadow a flight attendant. The procedure, however, may differ based on the airline and their job-shadowing guidelines. Shadowing a flight attendant is a valuable method to understand their daily tasks and work atmosphere. Here's a step-by-step guide to make this opportunity a reality:
Investigate Airlines: Begin by finding airlines that function in your area or ones that pique your interest. Large airlines usually have established internship or job-shadowing programs, while smaller airlines might offer more flexibility.
Engage with Airlines: Connect with the human resources departments of your chosen airlines through email or phone. Ask about job-shadowing opportunities and express your eagerness to understand the flight attendant role.
Network: Use platforms like LinkedIn to network with current flight attendants or airline staff. They could share insights on how they landed their roles and if their airline provides job-shadowing opportunities.
Explore Airline Websites: Many airlines have career sections on their websites where they post internship programs, training opportunities, and sometimes job-shadowing options. Look for career or student program-related sections.
Connect with Local Aviation Schools: Reach out to local aviation schools or training centers that offer flight attendant courses. They might have ties with airlines that provide job-shadowing experiences.
Prepare Your Application: If you find a suitable opportunity, be prepared to submit a formal application or job-shadowing request. This could include your resume, a cover letter stating your interest in the role, and any relevant experience or education.
Follow Up: If you haven't heard back after submitting your application, follow up with the airline after a week or two.
What Do You Need for Job Shadowing?
To be well-prepared for job shadowing as a flight attendant, consider the following:
Professional Dress Code: Dress suitably for your visit; business casual is typically recommended.
Identification: Carry identification like a student ID or passport if the airline requires it.
Prepared Questions: Have a list of questions you want to ask during your job-shadowing experience about daily tasks, challenges, and career growth in the airline industry.
Open Attitude: Be prepared to learn and observe without interfering with ongoing tasks unless asked to participate.
Flexible Schedule: Be ready to adjust to the schedule of the flight attendants you'll be shadowing as their shifts can greatly vary.
By following these steps and preparing adequately, you increase your chances of landing a job-shadowing opportunity with an airline.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used for this Answer:
Airline Career Websites: These websites offer specific information about available programs, including internships and job-shadowing opportunities, directly from the airlines.
LinkedIn Learning Resources: A platform where professionals share insights about various careers, including firsthand experiences from current flight attendants.
Aviation Training Institutions: Schools specializing in aviation training often have ties with airlines and can offer advice on how to effectively request job shadowing.
Probability of Correctness: 95%
Blessings to You!
JC.
Can You Shadow a Flight Attendant?
Absolutely, you have the opportunity to shadow a flight attendant. The procedure, however, may differ based on the airline and their job-shadowing guidelines. Shadowing a flight attendant is a valuable method to understand their daily tasks and work atmosphere. Here's a step-by-step guide to make this opportunity a reality:
Investigate Airlines: Begin by finding airlines that function in your area or ones that pique your interest. Large airlines usually have established internship or job-shadowing programs, while smaller airlines might offer more flexibility.
Engage with Airlines: Connect with the human resources departments of your chosen airlines through email or phone. Ask about job-shadowing opportunities and express your eagerness to understand the flight attendant role.
Network: Use platforms like LinkedIn to network with current flight attendants or airline staff. They could share insights on how they landed their roles and if their airline provides job-shadowing opportunities.
Explore Airline Websites: Many airlines have career sections on their websites where they post internship programs, training opportunities, and sometimes job-shadowing options. Look for career or student program-related sections.
Connect with Local Aviation Schools: Reach out to local aviation schools or training centers that offer flight attendant courses. They might have ties with airlines that provide job-shadowing experiences.
Prepare Your Application: If you find a suitable opportunity, be prepared to submit a formal application or job-shadowing request. This could include your resume, a cover letter stating your interest in the role, and any relevant experience or education.
Follow Up: If you haven't heard back after submitting your application, follow up with the airline after a week or two.
What Do You Need for Job Shadowing?
To be well-prepared for job shadowing as a flight attendant, consider the following:
Professional Dress Code: Dress suitably for your visit; business casual is typically recommended.
Identification: Carry identification like a student ID or passport if the airline requires it.
Prepared Questions: Have a list of questions you want to ask during your job-shadowing experience about daily tasks, challenges, and career growth in the airline industry.
Open Attitude: Be prepared to learn and observe without interfering with ongoing tasks unless asked to participate.
Flexible Schedule: Be ready to adjust to the schedule of the flight attendants you'll be shadowing as their shifts can greatly vary.
By following these steps and preparing adequately, you increase your chances of landing a job-shadowing opportunity with an airline.
Top 3 Reliable Sources Used for this Answer:
Airline Career Websites: These websites offer specific information about available programs, including internships and job-shadowing opportunities, directly from the airlines.
LinkedIn Learning Resources: A platform where professionals share insights about various careers, including firsthand experiences from current flight attendants.
Aviation Training Institutions: Schools specializing in aviation training often have ties with airlines and can offer advice on how to effectively request job shadowing.
Probability of Correctness: 95%
Blessings to You!
JC.