Youth development at SAA Technical Expanded Content

South African Airways (SAA), acknowledges that the attainment of knowledge and skills in the aviation sector is critical to provide opportunities for historically disadvantaged youth. This year marks the 46th anniversary of the June 16, Soweto Youth Uprising celebrated under the theme, “Promoting sustainable livelihood and resilience of young people for a better tomorrow”.

As we commemorate youth month, SAA recognizes the contribution of the training programs offered by SAA Technical (SAAT) to the youth of the country. The training aims to develop and empower young men and women and places them in a better position for job opportunities.

Chief Executive Officer of SAAT, Mr Riaz Saloojee, says “The intention is to upskill previously disadvantaged individuals, predominantly from rural areas, to enable them to have better earning potential so as to make a meaningful contribution within their communities, the economy and improvement of the national skills expansion.”

As a strategic national asset, when recruiting for these initiatives, SAAT ensures that youth from all provinces are included. SAAT has a fully-fledged training center which is approved for nine registered trades to conduct both training and testing.

SAAT’s training program saw over 200 learners graduate over the past 3 years in eleven trade disciplines. SAAT currently has more than 120 young learners enrolled for the apprenticeship program across different aircraft trades.

“SAAT is proud of its contribution towards youth development, and we are committed to continue delivering on this agenda, we take this opportunity to wish the youth of this country a safe and memorable Youth Day”, adds Mr Salojee.