A Caerphilly man has embarked on a jet set career with British Airways, thanks to a vocational course on offer at Ystrad Mynach College
Stuart Williams, 21 and from Caerphilly has seen his career take-off since he completed a Level 2 Introduction to Air Cabin Crew Certificate.
After securing a job with Thomas Cook when he was 18, Stuart is now flying with BA and hopes to one day become a pilot.
Between flying around the world, he is also studying for his NVQ level 3 and 4 in Travel and Tourism at the college with a view to applying for British Airways Pilot training sponsorship in the future.
He said: “I feel so lucky to have a career that I am really passionate about. I get to work with new people on every flight and visit fantastic destinations on a regular basis, which is a great perk.”
Gabriella Anderson, one of the Air Cabin Crew course lecturers at The College Ystrad Mynach said: “Many students who undertake the course go on to become successful Air Cabin Crew for well-known airlines and success stories like Stuart’s are what make the course so rewarding to teach. It’s so valuable to deliver a course that prepares students specifically for their chosen careers.
“The practical nature of the course through role play and mock aircraft flights makes it really enjoyable for the students and really prepares them for the real thing. More importantly, it provides the school leavers with an array of confidence and exceptional customer service skills that they can take on to any career.
“It’s great to see Stuart doing so well and he is a great example of what possibilities this course can open up for students.”
The 12-month course, delivered at the College Ystrad Mynach is available to school-leavers interested in working in the air travel industry.
Through theory and practical sessions – many of which are taught in a purpose built mock aeroplane cabin – students are trained how to deal effectively with the health, safety and security of passengers and how to respond in emergency situations.
Stuart, a former Lewis School Pengam pupil, added: “Thanks to signing up for the course I am now enjoying every second of a really rewarding career, and I’m so glad I did it. I would definitely recommend the course to other young people as a route to a job that combines customer service with fantastic travelling opportunities.”