New ITE Course Allows Cabin Crew To Pursue Diploma While Flying

Ms Nur Nadhrah Musa has set her sights on a career in the aviation industry, following in her parents' footsteps.

- Vanessa Paige Chelvan

Not only is the 21-year-old Institute of Technical Education (ITE) student about to complete the Higher Nitec course in passenger services, but she is also currently interning as a cabin crew member at low-cost carrier Jetstar Asia.

And, to upskill herself as she embarks on her career, Ms Nadhrah has applied for a place in ITE's new Work-Study Diploma (WSDip) in Customer Experience Management (Cabin Services) programme.

The 2½-year course was launched on Feb 14 at ITE's first aviation symposium.

It is the first WSDip programme aimed at equipping those interested in becoming cabin crew members.

There were more than 100 applications for the 23 places on offer.

Students will learn in-flight customer service and how to manage cabin emergency situations, among other skills.

Trainees in ITE work-study programmes spend up to 80 per cent of their time learning on the job, and the remainder in classroom-based lessons.

Ms Nadhrah said she applied for the course because she "(gets) to do something (she enjoys and loves) doing", all while earning a diploma.

She added that she was inspired by her parents to join the aviation industry – her mother works in the ticketing department of Saudi Arabian airline Saudia, and her father works for aviation ground-handling company Sats.