How to become a flight attendant in Nigeria
In this article we will critically look at the growing aviation industry in Nigeria, the flight attendant profession, the qualifications and requirements, necessary skills and attributes, educational and training path, the application process, the interview and assessment process and adjusting to the working lifestyle.
The Aviation sector in Nigeria is growing tremendously, with the launching of new airlines, the increase in air connectivity Internationally, and the restructuring of the airports. The Aviation Industry is definitely on the rise.
Who is a flight attendant?
A Flight attendant is a trained professional who is embedded with the responsibility to ensure the safety and comfort of the passengers. Their Primary responsibilities are as follows;
Safety Procedures: It is the responsibility of the flight attendant to conduct pre-flight safety briefings, these briefings are essential. They give the passengers knowledge of what to do in any case of emergency, demonstrate the use of safety equipment and also ensure that the passengers comply with the safety regulations
Customer service: providing good customer service through assisting passengers with their seats, assistance in baggage handling, serving meals as well as beverages and answering any queries they may have.
Emergency Response: They are professionally trained in handling in-flight emergencies like evacuations, medical incidents, or security issues, all this to ensure the safety of the passengers.
Cabin Maintenance: The flight attendants do well to check the cabin before the flight takeoff, take note of serviceable equipment in the cabin and manage the cleanliness and orderliness of the cabin during the flight.
Communication: They strive to ensure effective communication among the flight crew, and ground staff to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated operation.
How to become a flight attendant in Nigeria
Qualifications and Requirements
- Educational Background: To become a flight attendant you need to have at least attained a secondary school certificate which is WAEC/NECO. You also have a better advantage if you have a Bachelor’s Degree.
- Age and Height Requirements: You must be at least 18 years old. 18 years and above is accepted. The Height Requirements is dependent on the airline.
- Language Proficiency: English Language
- Customer Service Skills: A flight attendant needs to have customer service skills because flight attendants have direct contact with passengers, and their attitude greatly influences the level of passenger satisfaction. The passenger experience is enhanced by the quality of customer service, leading to a more pleasant journey.
- Physical Fitness and Appearance: To be a flight attendant you will have to go through a medical examination where you will be fully accessed. If you have passed the medical examination you will be deemed physically fit. And for appearance, most airlines go for applicants who have nice-looking features and are well-groomed because they are the faces of the airline. Tattoos are not allowed except if you have them in places where they are not visible.
Necessary Skills and Attributes
It is important that flight attendants should have the following skills
- Communication Skills: As earlier said a flight attendant must have good communication skills to ensure smooth and well-coordinated operations among the flight crew and ground staff
- Problem-Solving Ability: A Flight attendant needs to have the ability to make swift and prompt decisions, especially in emergency situations. Adaptability: the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges or changes in routine.
- Teamwork and interpersonal skills: As the popular phrase says, Teamwork makes the dream work, it is important to have this skill to foster a seamless working environment. It is also important to know how to resolve conflict diplomatically.
- Cultural Sensitivity: You have to have the awareness that you are working with people from different cultures, tribes and ethnicities, and also ensure to provide inclusive service.
- Emergency Response Training: First Aid Certificate; Knowledge of the essential medical emergency response procedures. Evacuation procedures; Training in the effective coordination and management of passengers in the event of an emergency evacuation.
Educational and Training Path:
To become a flight attendant in Nigeria you have to get the necessary and relevant licences.
- Pursuing Relevant Educational Degrees or Certificates: Try and obtain a Secondary School Leaving Certificate, or furthermore a Bachelor’s Degree to get an upper hand.
- Enrolling in Flight Attendant Training Programs: You have to enrol in a flight attendant school in Nigeria which is an (NCAA) Approved Training Organization and (IATA) Authorised Training Centre. I have written about the top aviation school in Nigeria. Click on this link. You will enrol in the Cabin Crew Initial course training in any of these aviation schools. When you pass your NCAA (Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority) having a score of 75% and above you will then be given your licence. Now you are ready and fit to fly.
- Gaining First Aid and Safety Certifications: You will be taught First Aid and Safety Procedures in your aviation school, but if you need extra certification you can research and apply for them.
Application Process
- Researching Airlines and Job openings: The next step is to apply for jobs and look out for jobs that have openings in any of the airlines.
- Prepare a well-crafted resume and cover letter: Make sure that your resume and cover are perfectly written and with all the relevant information on your educational background, skills, and licences.
- Take Proper Cabin Crew pictures: When applying you have to attach your cabin crew picture. For your appearance to be accessed. Make sure you are well-groomed and the pictures are professionally taken.
- Navigating the interview process: Practise interview questions and know how to answer them intelligently.
- Understanding Medical Examinations and Background Checks: Make sure you are kept abreast with your medical status based on your medical examination, because you may be asked.
Interview and Assessment Process
- Group Interviews: Candidates often participate in a group interview to assess their interpersonal skills, teamwork, and communication. Group Discussions, Problem Solving Scenarios or Team Training Activities may be part of the activities.
- Role-Playing Scenarios: In-flight scenarios will be created, this is to test your ability on how you will handle situations, passengers and emergencies.
- Customer service assessment: This is to evaluate your customer service skills, how you relate to and handle passengers, and how you will be responsive to their needs and inquiries.
- Individual interview: In order to understand more about the candidate’s background, experiences of motivation for seeking employment and behavioural skills, a one-on-one interview with a recruiter or panel will be conducted.
Preparing for the lifestyle
Congratulations on getting your dream job, but honestly it’s not an easy peasy, it has its ebb and flow, so here is what you need to know.
- Understanding irregular work schedule: The Flight Attendant’s work schedule is very flexible. It can change at any time and any day, you will work on weekends, holidays and overnight shifts.
- Adaptability to Time Zones: Flight attendants have frequently travelled in different time zones, which has disrupted circadian rhythm. To maintain physical and mental health well being, the development of strategies for coping with jet lag and adaptation to different time zones is essential.
- Importance of Maintaining Physical and Mental wellbeing: You are required to be physically and mentally fit based on the nature of the job. In prolonged travel and demanding schedules, daily exercise, healthy dietary choices and adequate rest are important to overall health and stamina.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you have been shown the stops to becoming a flight attendant in Nigeria. Ensure you have the right Qualifications and Requirements, the necessary skills and attributes, the right training and the proper licences, apply, go for interviews, and get your dream job.
