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Cabinet officials

Government Invests in Young People to Build Careers in Aviation

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Minister of Transport, Barbara Creecy, has outlined initiatives by government to invest in young people and create real pathways for them to build careers in the aviation sector. These pathways are inclusive, accessible, and supported by strong educational frameworks, financial resources, and mentorship initiatives. The programs offered by the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA), Airports Company South Africa (ACSA), and the Air Traffic Navigation Services support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds to enter professions such as pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, aeronautical engineers, airport management, and related fields.

Key Takeaways:

  • The government has outlined initiatives to invest in young people and create pathways for them to build careers in the aviation sector, including structured training programs, internships, bursaries, and learnerships.
  • The programs offered by SACAA, ACSA, and the Air Traffic Navigation Services support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds and aim to promote gender equity in male-dominated professions.
  • The aviation sector contributed approximately USD 5.7 billion (or R105.4 billion) to the South African economy in 2023, supporting 46,000 jobs, with 27,000 being licensed aviation professionals.
  • The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forecasts a global demand for over two million qualified aviation personnel by 2030.
  • The government targets to reach 42 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of air-freight through the ACSA network of airports by 2029.
  • The Minister encouraged the sector to invest in young people to ensure the sustainability of the aviation industry and acknowledged the impact of partnerships between the private sector and government in developing talent.
  • The government recognizes the importance of collaboration and is an active member of the Global Aviation and Aerospace Skills Taskforce (GAAST) to address global skills shortages and ensure workforce resilience.

Statistics:

  • SOUTH AFRICA:

+ Air transport contributed approximately USD 5.7 billion (or R105.4 billion) to the economy in 2023.

+ The sector supported 46,000 jobs, with 27,000 being licensed aviation professionals.

+ The government targets to reach 42 million passengers and 1.2 million tons of air-freight through the ACSA network of airports by 2029.

  • GLOBAL:

+ The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) forecasts a global demand for over two million qualified aviation personnel by 2030.

Sources:

  • SAnews.gov.za
  • International Air Transport Association (IATA)
  • International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)

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