KUCHING: With the Covid-19 pandemic affecting almost every economic sector including the job market, many fresh graduates are facing challenges in securing employment.
Trainee pilots are also in the same boat given how the aviation industry is one of the most affected by the pandemic.
Mohd Rozaimie Ramlie, 24, a trainee pilot said he is hopeful that things will be better for the aviation industry despite the current gloomy prospect. He believes that the aviation industry will prosper again once the pandemic has abated.
With many nations undertaking their vaccination programme, Rozaimie said this gives him a sense of reassurance for the future.
“The aviation industry is expected to recover in the next four to five years. However, it also depends on how things go with the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Of course, the sooner it recovers, the better it will be for those in the industry and especially for trainee pilots like myself.
“People who enjoy travelling surely miss the excitement of waiting for a flight at the airport and the thrill of being on an aircraft. I am certain that when things are better with nations reopening their borders, there will be many people who want to go on holidays,” he said.
Before embarking on the journey to become a pilot, Rozaimie was a trainee aircraft maintenance engineer (TAME).
Rozaimie said he is worried about employment after completing his training but is determined to stay focused and positive.
He is confident that there will be ample employment opportunities in the aviation industry for those who are new as well as the seniors when the pandemic is over.
“I have always been passionate about aviation and when I was offered a placement at a flying school, I thanked my lucky stars. My enthusiasm still remains despite the current outlook and I have faith that better days are ahead.
“I hope that everyone, especially those in the aviation industry continues to persevere and endure for the time being. Our services will be needed once the aviation industry resumes as normal,” he said.
He added that fulfilling his childhood dream and making his parents proud also motivates him to continue pursuing a career in aviation.
“My dad was actually the one who sparked the passion and interest for aviation in me. When I was younger, he used to bring me along to fly remote control (RC) airplanes and helicopters every weekend.
“I would not be where I am today if it was not for my dad. He did not have the opportunity when he was younger so I am glad that he could live his dream of being a pilot through me,” he said.
Meanwhile, Glenn Gerald, also a trainee pilot, said he continues to be inspired by the contributions that aviation has to offer to the society.
The 21-year-old pointed out that humankind managed to overcome previous epidemics and pandemics with great resilience, the current Covid-19 would be no exception.
“While some might say that they are inspired to be involved in aviation because of the pay but frankly speaking, I got inspired more from how it contributes to society. Behind every flight, there are multitude reasons for smiles, laughter and sometimes even grief.
“I have always believed that every passenger has his or her own story to tell on the destination that he or she is heading to. This is why I find aviation is an industry that could create memories and impacts in people’s life,” he explained.
Glenn pointed out despite the disadvantages of the Covid-19 pandemic; it has provided rooms for people to create opportunities for themselves.
“It is undeniable that every industry has been affected by the pandemic with people losing their jobs. But looking on the brighter side of things, the pandemic has allowed us to discover potentials that were not acknowledged before this.
“For instance, many are creating opportunities for themselves by involving in entrepreneurship to make ends meet. Some may see this as the only way to survive but for me it is an experience and journey to cherish,” he said.
Glen said being away from his family is difficult especially during festive seasons and it took some time to get used to life as a trainee pilot.
“I would say adapting to different situations is something I’ve learned the most before and during this pandemic. One of the things I had to adapt to is the different environment of study and being away from home.
“However, my loved ones and what the future holds motivate me to keep on going. I always remind myself that I am on the right track and that I must keep going until I achieve my goal,” he added.
On the challenges for employment prospects in the aviation industry given the Covid-19 pandemic, Glenn stated the vaccination programme which is underway for numerous nations provides a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel.
“The aviation services rely entirely on the re-opening of borders across the globe. However, we can clearly see that aviation is starting to gain momentum with the vaccination programme in progress.
“There are some countries which have already reopened their doors to those who are vaccinated. I believe that soon enough, the sky will be filled with metal birds again,” he quipped.
Glenn Gerald (left) and Mohd Rozaimie. 
Mohd Rozaimie (left) in class doing flight planning.
