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First Air and partners celebrate Airline Foundations program graduates
July 28, 2011 – Iqaluit, Nunavut. On July 20th, First Air, Qikiqtani First Aviation and Sakku First Aviation celebrated the achievements of 14 graduates who successfully completed the inaugural Airline Foundations training program in Iqaluit.
The Airline Foundations program curriculum provided pre-employment training and an overview of aviation customer service careers to help candidates understand the employment opportunities within the airline industry. Delivered by subject matter experts working at First Air, specific topics included: understanding the airport environment, airline terminology and acronyms, aircraft overview, industry regulations, safety and security procedures.
“I congratulate each of our graduates for their focus and commitment to learning about career opportunities in the aviation industry,” said Scott Bateman, President and CEO of First Air. “Together with our partners, Qikiqtani First Aviation and Sakku First Aviation, we are providing the resources and curriculum to prepare more northern youth with the skills and opportunities for future employment.”
“We are impressed that there were over 50 interested candidates to this program, which tells us there is a strong desire for this type of training,” says Harry Flaherty, President of Qikiqtani First Aviation.
After nine days of training, classroom study and eight exams, these 14 graduates received a certificate of achievement at their graduation ceremony to acknowledge their hard work and dedication.
Students from Arviat, Whale Cove, Cape Dorset, Igloolik, Hall Beach, Clyde River, Pangnirtung, Ottawa, and as far as Cambridge Bay, remained in Iqaluit for the nine day program at no cost to them.
Five graduates have already accepted positions with First Air as Customer Service Station Agents in their home communities. The remaining graduates will continue to pursue more specialized training to help them achieve their goals of a future career in aviation.
First Air, Sakku First Aviation and Qikiqtani First Aviation are partner airlines providing cargo, charter and scheduled service to more northern destinations than any other airline. Sivurariaqnik is our proactive employment initiative, providing a focus and dedication of resources to increasing northern employment. For more information, visit www.firstair.ca or www.sivurariaqnik.ca .
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Contact:
Jennifer Alldred
Manager, Marketing Communications
First Air
Tel: (613) 254-6395
E-mail: jalldred@firstair.ca