Aviation professionals in Ghana have issued a call for enhanced training opportunities and structured career guidance to better prepare young people for employment within the national aviation sector. According to MyJoyOnline, these concerns were raised during the Take Off Experience, an initiative designed to connect the ambitions of aspiring youth with practical advice on entering the industry. The event was established by Ivy Hammond, the founder of Global Aviation Consult, who noted that while many young Ghanaians dream of becoming pilots or cabin crew members, they often lack the necessary information and direction to navigate their way into the field.
Hammond explained that the platform was created to bridge the gap between preparation and actual aviation careers. She expressed a long-term goal of developing a robust pool of Ghanaian professionals capable of taking up various roles within the industry. Hammond cautioned attendees against viewing aviation solely through the lens of glamour and luxury, emphasizing that the sector demands significant hard work, commitment, and selfless service. She advised young people to seek proper guidance and to understand that pursuing a career in aviation requires more than just a dream.
Retired cabin crew member Josephine Smart described the initiative as a timely and laudable intervention. She highlighted the irregular nature of recruitment in the sector, noting that airlines typically advertise vacancies based on specific staffing needs rather than on a monthly or annual schedule. Smart suggested that the expansion of airlines operating in Ghana, along with plans to establish a new national airline and revive Ghana Airways, could create additional employment opportunities for young professionals seeking to enter the industry.
Former Flight Lieutenant Kelly Yemoh Quarshie argued that while individual initiatives like the Take Off Experience are valuable, they must be supported by a broader national effort. He expressed concern over the lack of structured training opportunities for key aviation professions, including pilots, air traffic controllers, and ticketing personnel. Quarshie stated that the country is not currently training enough professionals to meet sector demands, highlighting the need for a more coordinated approach to aviation education and professional development to sustainably grow the workforce.