How to become a flight attendant in South Africa?
To become a flight attendant in South Africa, you can follow these five straightforward steps. This career involves not only ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers but also requires rigorous training and a specific skill set.
Steps to Become a Flight Attendant in South Africa:
Step 1: Meet the Basic Requirements:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Hold a Matric certificate (Grade 12) or equivalent.
- Be proficient in English; additional languages are a plus.
- Pass a medical fitness test.
Step 2: Gain Customer Service Experience:
- Work in a role that requires customer interaction, such as in hospitality or retail. This experience is beneficial for dealing with passengers and handling stressful situations.
Step 3: Obtain the Necessary Certification:
- Enroll in a flight attendant training programme offered by an accredited aviation school. This will cover emergency procedures, first aid, and service protocols.
- Some airlines also provide their own training once you are hired.
Step 4: Apply to Airlines:
- Regularly check the websites of airlines for job openings.
- Prepare a professional CV highlighting relevant experience and skills.
- Apply for available positions and be ready to attend interviews and assessment days.
Step 5: Complete Airline-Specific Training:
- Once hired, you will undergo further training specific to the airline’s operations and standards.
- This training typically lasts several weeks to a few months.
Becoming a flight attendant in South Africa can be a rewarding career choice, offering the opportunity to travel and meet diverse groups of people while providing a crucial service on board. Remember, each airline might have specific requirements or additional steps, so it’s important to research the specific criteria of the airline you want to apply to.
Places to Study
In South Africa, there are several institutions where you can pursue training to become a flight attendant. These institutions offer specialised courses that equip candidates with the necessary skills and certifications required to work in the aviation industry. Here’s a list of some reputable places to consider:
Notable Flight Attendant Training Institutions in South Africa:
- Cranfield Aviation Training: Located in Johannesburg, Cranfield offers a range of aviation-related courses, including a comprehensive flight attendant training program. The course covers all essential areas such as safety procedures, first aid, and customer service.
- Cabin Crew Academy: Situated in Benoni, Gauteng, this academy provides a detailed Cabin Crew Licensing course that meets the requirements set by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA). They focus on both theoretical and practical aspects of flight attendant duties.
- Skyy Aviation Academy: Based in Durban, Skyy Aviation offers a Cabin Crew Member Licensing course, which includes emergency evacuation training, firefighting, and water survival skills, alongside customer service training.
- Future Flyers Academy: Located in Johannesburg, Future Flyers provides extensive training for aspiring flight attendants, focusing on everything from in-flight service to safety and emergency procedures.
- EPT Aviation Training: Also in Johannesburg, EPT offers a range of courses tailored to the aviation industry, including a specific course for those aiming to become cabin crew members.
When choosing a training provider, it’s important to ensure that the institution is accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), as this is a requirement for working as a flight attendant in South Africa. Additionally, visiting open days and speaking to former students can provide deeper insights into the quality and relevance of the training offered.