Some students given the opportunity to undertake pilot education programs under the government's loan scheme have begun switching their course of study due to lack of employment prospects.
Some students enrolled in pilot education programs under the government's loan scheme have started switching their fields of study, citing limited employment prospects in the aviation sector.
Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Labour and Skills Development, Aminath Nadha Mohamed told Mihaaru News that some students, following the arrangement of loans have been requesting to switch into other programs of study before undertaking their education offer.
"Although not many, some have requested to change their course." Nadha said.
Ten slots were granted this year for pilot training programs under government assistance, with no students opting for course transfers, the Deputy Minister said. She added that the Ministry will, however, announce that those seeking to transfer will have their requests accommodated.
She said that some recipients of the student loan are O-Level graduates and, as a result, are ineligible to enroll in degree programs.
Regardless, she assured that alternative ways to facilitate opportunities for such students will also be identified.
The oversaturated with trained pilots has resulted in a significant increase in complaints about job shortages.
Nearly 500 students were given the opportunity to pursue pilot training programs under the government's loan scheme during the previous administration. This marked the first time such a large number of students chose to study in the same field.
Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation Mohamed Ameen also expressed concerns, noting that if too many individuals are provided with the opportunity in the same sector, job shortages could potentially escalate into a national issue.
Nearly 70 pilot school graduates remain unemployed and are currently working in other fields, with no guarantee of future opportunities in aviation. Meanwhile, over 300 students are currently pursuing pilot training abroad.
Minister Ameen said that discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Higher Education to address these challenges. He assured that parents and students who have not yet left for their studies will be kept informed about these deliberations and added that options for course transfers will also be explored to accommodate those seeking such arrangements.
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