The Dowerglen High School learners participated in a career exploration day hosted by private charter company Fireblade Aviation on April 26 to mark World Pilots’ Day.
Chauffeured from Edenvale to the Kempton Park premises, the learners met pilots who fly some of the world’s most exclusive private jets and helicopters.
“The experience opened our minds to a future of possibility,” said head boy Kwena Makhafola.
He believes the experience was just one of many opportunities that could influence the school’s learners positively.
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The learners interacted with the pilots and were introduced to the diverse skills needed to run a fixed-based operation (FBO) like Fireblade.
They went through the departure lounge and on-site customs and boarded a helicopter, earning them a badge of honour into the Fireblade Future Aviator Club.
“I learnt that where you start on the career ladder as a school leaver is not where you will finish. There are many paths to success,” said Lethabo Teffo, selected for the programme based on her aptitude in maths and science.
“The aviation industry needs a more diverse and inclusive workforce, which requires youth exposure to a range of careers and opportunities in aviation,” said Fireblade Aviation’s Sharlenee Naidoo.
“What better way than to treat these learners to an experience they will never forget? Exposing them to practical skills will contribute to their employability and success in the future job market.”
For Botshelo Mani, a matriculant wanting to become a pilot, the day was a dream come true. The chance to sit in the cockpit of an Augusta helicopter fired up his ambition to find out more about his chances of becoming a pilot.
According to Naidoo, only 14.5% of male pilots are black, coloured or Indian in SA, while 13.5% are women.
“This is why it’s important to reach into our communities and capture the imaginations of learners who have never considered this industry before,” said Naidoo.
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To bridge the gap, Fireblade partnered with GrowZA.
Connecting development opportunities with social investors, GrowZA’s executive director, Craig Kensley, said the NPO helps businesses and communities make a tangible difference.
“Building a career in aviation goes beyond pilots, engineers and air stewards.
“It’s important for learners to realise this, particularly schools like Dowerglen, which focuses on leadership, discipline, and future-facing opportunity mapping,” she said.
Naidoo said the company looks forward to hosting a career fair later this year as part of its commitment to empower communities.
