Cabin Crew Diploma students at St Helens College took to the skies last weekend with established airline Jet2.com, travelling to Alicante as part of a unique opportunity to participate in a cabin crew familiarisation flight.
Students had the unique opportunity to assist on one of Europe’s best low cost airlines, who fly to over 50 sun, city and ski destinations across Europe and beyond.
The trip was organised by experienced tutor, Richard King, who has worked in the industry for a number of years, including a role as a Senior Trainer at Jet2. Using his valuable industry contacts, Richard managed to arrange this unique flight familiarisation opportunity, providing the perfect opportunity for students to get a real glimpse of life in the industry, as well as an exclusive insight into the Cabin Crew role.
Starting out their day at Manchester Airport, students were taken to visit the Jet2 crew rooms where they received a talk from one of the Senior Safety Managers at Jet2.com. The crew rooms are where all Cabin Crew members report before each flight as they take part in their pre-flight briefings.
From here the students proceeded to boarding, where they were met by Jet2’s Base Cabin Crew Manager, who allowed the students to board the aircraft first, so they could watch and be involved with customer boarding.
During the flight, students were involved with a number of Cabin Crew roles, seeing students assisting with customer bags on board, held public address announcements, assisted with customer scratch card sales, helped clear the cabin after the drinks and snacks service, took part in in-flight galley training, as well as assisting with the cabin crew turnaround duties in Alicante, ready for the returning flight.
Richard King, Cabin Crew Programme Leader, said “The Jet2 crew were amazing with the students, they got to observe almost everything. I’ve done many familiarisation flights with trainees, during my time in the industry, but never have I done it with students. What a great and invaluable experience for them!”
The adventure didn’t end there, as the students got to stay in Alicante for two nights so they could experience what a night stop would be like for operating Cabin Crew. Whilst in Alicante, the students took full advantage of the trip, taking the opportunity to go sightseeing, visiting the City of Elche – the Worlds Capital of palm trees as well as experiencing the local culture.
The trip was thoroughly enjoyed by all and proved to be a huge success. Tutor Richard, commented “The students were great and have all said how much they have benefited from the experience. All the staff at Jet2.com; ground staff, flight deck, managers and cabin crew were amazing with them so I couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Students Charlotte Richardson and Chloe Robinson were on hand to capture the fantastic weekend, seeing the takeover of our College social media platforms, where they kept us up to date with their daily activities.
Speaking to Charlotte on her experience, she said: “I really enjoyed the trip. I don’t think I’d have had this opportunity anywhere else so huge thanks to our tutor Rik. The experience will prepare me for when I leave College and start my career.”
If you are interested in studying a Travel and Tourism course with us, please visit st.helens.ac.uk
