Ask a random learner from a marginalised community what they wish to be when they grow up and the answers will almost always be one-dimensional. Teacher, nurse, restaurant worker, and yes, the ubiquitous doctor, of course. Can’t blame the children; their responses merely mirror a world in which dignified work readily presumes the stereotypical suit and tie, or overall, a desk, the 9 to 5 grind working for “idipatment,” – generic for “government,” – seemingly the loudest way one can announce that, indeed I have made it. Nothing wrong with that, but a question persists nevertheless; are learners made adequately aware of what else might be out there for them? Athlete, musician, astrophysicist, boilermaker…with the right counsel, the possibilities are endless.
Cognisant of this, the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) earlier this month jetted down to inject a 3D element by urging learners in these previously-disadvantaged communities to see beyond the rugged landscape and one-horse-town simplicity for which the Karoo is most famous. With flourished spirits, SACAA brought along interesting titles like “pilot,” “aeronautical engineer,” “aircraft mechanic,” no doubt far removed from the sort of career paths one would come across in these places where even grown-ups have sometimes sadly never laid eyes on a tarmac.
Hauling a team of seasoned professionals, their “careers in aviation awareness programme” saw Science and Mathematics Grade 10 – 12 learners afforded “advice and mentorship on career options in aviation,” writes external communications specialist Tshepo Mokono. Over a period of five days, the company touched base with hundreds of learners from Colesberg, de Aar, Noupoort and surrounding areas.
“The world of aviation,” said SACAA’s Paballo Makgato, “is a hive of activity yet learners from rural districts experience limited information regarding a wide range of career opportunities and bursaries available for them in comparison with children in urban districts or metros.”
If there was any learner on the day who worried that the stifling glass ceiling might hinder a woman’s progress in the aviation space, then Claudette George’s presence would’ve soon dispelled such concerns. As an aircraft mechanical engineer who specializes in avionics, she stands as a proud, capable testament that perhaps James Brown got it all wrong – this is not entirely a man’s world after all. As demanding as the job is, she has over the years proved more than equal to the task.
At its most essential, however, the road trip was aimed at chipping away at the vast social and class divides that permeate through society. For the rural child to cherish a dream in which suited up in a well-pressed uniform, she is hovering some 30 000 feet off the ground, pilot’s wings gleaming on her left breast pocket and gladly answering to the title of Captain. Of course such dreams come with a price tag so hefty they remain out of reach to the disadvantaged.
Fortunately, says Mokono, financial constraints need not be a hindrance to capable and deserving students as SACAA also offers bursaries and links to various other sources of financial assistance.
For more information on careers in aviation, learners and parents are advised to follow the SACAA’s social media Pages or visit the SACAA’s website www.caa.co.za