Cathay Pacific Partners With Vocational Training Council to Nurture Aviation Talent in Hong Kong

The Cathay Pacific Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Vocational Training Council (VTC) of Hong Kong to nurture a new generation of aviation talent in advance of the completion of Three-Runway System at HKG.

Witnessed by Under Secretary for Transport and Logistics Liu Chun-san (sixth from left), Cathay Pacific Group Chief Executive Officer Ronald Lam (fifth from left) and VTC Executive Director Donald Tong (fifth from right), the MoU was signed by Cathay Pacific Director People Patricia Hwang (fourth from left) and VTC Deputy Executive Director Alaina Shum (fourth from right). Employees from the participating companies of the Cathay Pacific Group were also pictured. – Courtesy Cathay Pacific

On Monday (February 20, 2023), the Cathay Pacific Group announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a new collaboration with the Vocational Training Council (VTC) of Hong Kong. The goal of the partnership is to nurture a new generation of aviation talent as the industry recovers, ahead of the completion of the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong International Airport (HKG). The MoU signing ceremony took place at the Tsing Yi campus of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education, an affiliate of the VTC.

In Monday’s announcement, Cathay Pacific Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Ronald Lam, said,

“As Hong Kong’s home airline, we are committed to continuing to invest in young local talent and the long-term development of the Hong Kong aviation hub. The collaboration with VTC provides a sound foundation for the talent supply chain in the aviation industry. We look forward to welcoming students with a passion for joining the aviation industry and becoming part of the Cathay Pacific Group upon graduation.”

Cathay Pacific Group companies participating in the training collaboration include Cathay Pacific, HK Express, Air Hong Kong and Cathay Pacific Services Limited, operator of the Cathay Pacific Cargo Terminal, Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Limited, Hong Kong Airport Services Limited and Vogue Laundry Services Limited. Under the partnership, some elements of the Group’s cabin crew training will also be integrated into VTC’s curriculum. The collaboration will also provide student internships and project-based learning opportunities including inflight menu planning and design, as well as CSR projects by the Cathay Pacific Group. This will also benefit students from Other VTC member institutions such as the Chinese Culinary Institute and the International Culinary Institute, along with trainees of Shine Skills Centre and VTC Social Enterprises.

The Group will also provide a series of life-planning programs and materials, including mock-up interviews and career discussions to introduce students to career prospects in the aviation industry. Graduates who achieve outstanding performance will also be nominated for full-time job interviews with Cathay Pacific. This MoU will further enrich VTC’s curriculum of the Higher Diploma in Aviation Inflight and Passenger Services program by incorporating training materials from the Group, including cabin crew training. The Cathay Pacific Group will also explore the integration of innovative technologies such as the application of Virtual Reality (VR) technology for service and safety training for cabin crew.

Source: Cathay Pacific