Mentoring of the next generation Aviation professionals was the subject at the recently concluded 2nd Aviation Careers Conference with the theme: “Mentoring for Effective Human Capital Development” by stakeholders with the call that the industry must be ready to let the youths in on the opportunities that abound in the industry.
The event organized by an Aviation Consultant popularly called MamaJ witnessed experts in the various areas in the industry help those in attendance especially the youths who have interest in aviation to begin to see areas where they can fit in.
Managing Director Caverton Helicopters, Captain Josiah Choms says this is the time for the aviation sub-sector to formally create mentorship programs to midwife the next generation of aviation professionals if progress is to be achieved.
Represented by Mr. Ayodele Omueti, Captain Choms noted that mentors are important and given that the industry is evolving technologically,
“How can mentorship improve us? As a mentor, one expects you will be teachable, you have a hunger to learn, show humility because someone is going to be your councilor.”
On his part, the Rector of the Nigeria College of Aviation Technology( NCAT), Captain Abdulsalam Mohammed says Human Capital Development is the backbone of civil aviation without which the industry is nowhere.
He said,”Basically, there are two ways we can handle this: First, by effective and robust mentoring programme foraspiring and young professionals. Experienced aviation professionals must connect with aspiring young people to guide, inform and inspire them about the industry. This chance to meet with industry professionals will give the young ones opportunity to ask the relevant questions about the aviation sector and be able to decide which area of aviation best fits them.”
“It is also a chance for them to get firsthand information on skills they might need to develop and innovations they might need to introduce to the aviation industry. The interaction between the aviation professionals and aspiring aviators will in the other also benefit the professionals too as it will be a chance for them to get feedback of what the industry looks like from an outsiders’ view and what the prospective employees seek from their prospective employers.”
“The second is by developing a new generation of aviation professionals that can step in to take over from the aging professionals in the industry. Fortunately, the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is at the forefront of this goal with the introduction of the Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP).”
Speaking earlier, Convener of the conference and CEO MamaJ Aviation Consult, Joy Ogbebo said countries that are advanced and have taken aviation to the next level are the ones that have taken proactive steps to develop human capital.
“There is no better time to start investing in the next generation of Aviation professionals through human capita Development
