Qatar Airways Al Darb Qatarisation programme and Qatar Foundation (QF) have launched a partnership that enables students from the airline's Al Darb Cadet Pilot programme to benefit from QF's Academic Bridge Programme (ABP), prior to their cadet pilot training.
As part of QF's Pre-University Education (PUE), the ABP provides secondary school graduates academic and personal skills to help prepare them for university.
Upon gaining these skills, cadet pilots are then eligible to begin commercial pilot training in accordance with Qatar Airways requirements.
Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive, HE Akbar al-Baker, said: "We are delighted to be partnering with Qatar Foundation and the Academic Bridge Programme, which will equip Qatari nationals with essential academic and critical thinking skills before they begin their cadet pilot training at Qatar Airways..."
"Qatar Airways is committed to training Qatari youth by integrating them into the aviation industry through a wide range of career opportunities at Qatar Airways. One of our fundamental goals is to continuously develop and invest in Qatari youth through our Al Darb Qatarisation Programme. Our Al Darb Programme has already provided opportunities to many Qataris who continue to make a valuable contribution to the airline." he said.
President of PUE, QF, Buthaina Ali al-Nuaimi, said: "At Qatar Foundation, we believe that moving towards progress and prosperity, and establishing a diverse and sustainable economy, requires empowering and supporting our youth throughout their educational and professional journeys.
"We are therefore delighted to sign this agreement with Qatar Airways, which aligns with our efforts to foster a culture of lifelong learning in Qatar, and are confident that it will produce positive outcomes that represent an investment in the future of Qatar."
"Through our initiatives, projects, and partnerships, we have contributed to serving the needs of Qatar by providing our youth with the necessary skills to realise their aspirations, and become the change-makers and leaders of tomorrow across various fields", she added.
Upon completion of the cadet pilot training programme, candidates obtain a Qatar Civil Aviation Authority (QCAA) Multi-Crew Pilot Licence and are entitled to become professional pilots.
Launched in 2012, the highly-successful Al Darb initiative offers eight tailored programmes that cater to each applicant, enabling them to choose their career path and development opportunity in the aviation industry that best suits them.
These include the National Scholarships Programme, Cadet Pilot Programme, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Programme, Summer Internship Programme, Graduate Developee Programme, Airport Operations Programme, Aviation Management Programme and Jossor Programme.
