Manta Air, UNICEF launch apprenticeship programme

Local airline Manta Air and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), on Monday, launched the Manta Air Apprenticeship Program today.

The company-wide programme was initiated to coincide with Manta Air's celebrations to mark International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) day - “75 years of uniting aviation”.

The first batch of participants, consisting of three women and three men, are scheduled to work at Manta Air as apprentices for the next three months. The six participants were awarded apprentice offer certificates along with their uniforms.

The apprenticeship programme provides young individuals interested in the airline industry with an opportunity to acquire first-hand experience and exposure in areas including flight and ground operations, safety and compliance, aircraft engineering, commerce and marketing.

Participants will be closely monitored and will receive mentoring from both Manta Air and UNICEF throughout the programme, which is designed to develop and inspire young people into the aviation sector through a unique and creative learning experience.

Welcoming the six new members of Team Manta, CEO of Manta Air Edward Alsford stated, "We take pride in contributing to the local community and we are privileged and happy to be working with UNICEF to develop young people. I am also delighted to have this milestone when we are celebrating the ICAO Day ICA75 and I extend our sincere gratitude’s and greetings to everyone working in the aviation industry here the Maldives”.

UNICEF Representative to Maldives Dr Munir Safieldin stated that, “the partnership of UNICEF and Manta Air we are launching today is about developing the skills of adolescent girls and boys for future employment".

"This apprenticeship is designed to expose adolescent Maldivian girls and boys to the civil aviation industry and prepare them for possible professional employment in this new grown sector in the Maldives".

The apprenticeship programme is part of a partnership between Manta Air and UNICEF Maldives, which also covers additional areas such as support for advocacy on children and young people’s rights as well as other issues through Manta Air's in-flight magazine RAYS to engage both national and international audiences.

Manta Air and UNICEF Maldives would also be partnering to celebrate key events for children and youth including the World Children’s Day and World Youth Day, aiming to engage the public on such matters.