How to Become an Air Hostess in Ghana
Many young female graduates want to pursue a career in the aviation industry as an air hostess or flight attendant in Ghana. However, this increasing desire does not translate into job offers.
The job of an air hostess is very limited. Apart from their lucrative salaries, there are other benefits to becoming an air hostess. If you’re so passionate about the job, you need to know the requirements for becoming a flight attendant in Ghana.
Contents
Who is an Air Hostess?
An air hostess commonly called flight attendants, or stewardess, is a someone who tends to passengers on a flight. They review safety practises before the flight, bring passengers requested items, serve food and drinks, and ensure that passengers are comfortable throughout the flight.
Air hostesses also conduct safety checks at various times during a flight, instruct passengers during a plane’s descent, and assist in the deplaning process after landing.
An Air Hostess can be later on promoted as Senior Flight Attendant and then Head Attendant.
Air Hostess has an average career span of eight to ten years, later she can move to the ground duties which include the job of a Check Hostess, training of air hostess, Ground hostess or work with the management level.
Skills Needed to Become an Air Hostess
To become an air hostess, there are certain skills that you must possess. Airlines look forward to some of these skills when recruiting air hostesses. Some of the skills include;
- Communication skills
- Ability to work in a team
- Be in a good physical condition and be able to stand and sit for long periods of time
- Reassuring passengers in the event of an emergency, making sure they follow safety procedures
- Ensuring that passengers are made comfortable
- Maintaining a calm demeanour, positive outlook, and an empathetic nature
- Possess excellent interpersonal skills
- Working with a culturally diverse population
- Looking and acting like a professional at all time
How to Become an Air Hostess/Flight Attendant in Ghana
There is a popular notion that a career as a flight attendant is only for girls, but men can also join as “Stewards”. If you want to pursue a career as an air hostess, flight attendant, cabin crew, steward or stewardess, then you need to read this guide.
Educational Qualifications
One of the basic requirements needed to become a flight attendant is education. Most airlines will often need an air hostess to possess at least a tertiary degree in any field of study. However, preference is given to graduates of hospitality, tourism or management-related courses.
Aside from your degree, you’ll also be required to enrol in an aviation training school. In most instances, applicants are sponsored by the airline in an aviation training school after recruitment. Importantly, even without a degree, you can become a flight attendant, however, you need to take some basic training courses.
Age and Marital Status
Before you can become an air hostess in Ghana, you’re required to be at least 18 years of age. The recruiting airline or air hostess academy can also decide their age limit.
Similarly, most airlines pay close attention to marital status. Some Airlines prefer their cabin crew members to be unmarried. This doesn’t mean that married women are not eligible to become flight attendants.
Physical Standards
The physical attribute might not be the most important requirements for becoming a flight attendant, however, it is necessary. The minimum height of an air hostess should be 5ft 2 inches or 157 cm. You can also calculate your body mass index.
Medical and Fitness
You must be in a good medical condition to be offered a job as an air hostess. Candidates must also be mentally sound. Eyesight must be 6/9.
You should not be suffering from any major illness and must be within the recommended weight.
Some of the requirements for international flight attendants include the following:
Fluency in at least two foreign languages.
The fact that you are a Ghanaian gives you an advantage as English is our official language. However, you need to be fluent in both spoken and written English language. In addition, it is important that you learn a foreign language such as French or Spanish.
A valid international passport.
To be able to go on board an international flight, it is imperative that you possess a valid Ghanaian passport.
You must have undergone training in survival.
Flight attendants on international flights must undergo survival training to prepare them in the event of a disaster. This training usually involves educating all members of the cabin crew in survival skills like food gathering, shelter provision, and calls for help.
If you meet the above-outlined requirements, then you stand a good chance of becoming an air hostess in Ghana.
The following steps will guide what you need to do to become a flight attendant.
Enrol in an Aviation Training School
To start your journey in the aviation industry as a flight attendant, you need to enrol in a proper aviation training academy. In Ghana, you can seek admission into the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority Training Academy.
Here you will go through a 12-week intensive training process. The cost of training varies depending on your required course. For enquiries, you can send a mail to gata@caa.com.gh.
READ ALSO: Air Hostess Salary Structure in Ghana.
Apply for Air Hostess Jobs
After your successful training in an aviation training college, you need to begin the search for air hostess jobs. While some airlines will recruit and train candidates, others will opt for already trained candidates.
This means that you can equally apply for flight attendant job openings even when you have not been trained; you can undergo the training after the Airline has accepted your application.
This job is a very competitive one and as such you need to pass through some rigorous recruitment process. Also, you need to prepare an outstanding resume (CV) that clearly exhibits your qualifications and professional experience related to the job.
Conclusion
Conclusively, becoming a flight attendant in Ghana involves a lot of processes. Moreover, the job openings for flight attendants are almost always limited. This only makes the recruitment process more competitive and rigorous. However, with the right information, you can fulfil your dream of becoming an air hostess.
