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Two Swiss pilots on the way from Zurich to Chicago. Photo: trapezoidal
The University of St. Gallen attracts Swiss pilots, that’s behind
The East Switzerland Management Forge is in the process of launching a new program to retrain cabin employees as managers, not without reason.
Pilots around the world are threatened with being grounded. The crown crisis is forcing airlines to cut their personnel costs. Swiss continues to communicate that it wants to avoid layoffs. But it is doubtful that this optimism will hold.
Last week, “Switzerland on the weekend” announced that the airline was in discussions with SBB about a possible worksharing project. For example, Swiss pilots could complete additional training to become SBB train conductors in order to economically cushion any reduction in workload. Ultimately, SBB is desperately looking for newcomers in the locomotive’s driver’s cab.
Pilots are popular elsewhere too. The University of St. Gallen takes them into account. As Andreas Wittmer, director of the Aeronautical Competence Centers says, they are currently working on a new training program for pilots in which captains and co-captains would be trained to be managers. The course is called “Management for pilots”. It should start in December or January.
“There is a great need to protect yourself better.”
In view of the looming crisis in the pilot market, Wittmer anticipates strong demand. The program is aimed at pilots looking for a second pillar or even an industry change. The “Global Aviation Management” certification course is already offered for advanced users and pilots participate regularly, says Wittmer. Because: “The need to better protect yourself is great.”
The price of additional training has not yet been defined. But these often expensive advanced training programs for individuals are an important source of income for many universities.
Most of the course will take place in the evening for six weeks with online lessons, but also face-to-face meetings. But they are still working on finalizing the individual modules, Wittmer says.
He emphasizes that the course will build on the existing skills of the pilots. “After all, pilots are practically the managers of an SME. Depending on the size of the aircraft, he leads a team of 10 to 20 employees, has customer contact with passengers and negotiates, for example, with flight safety authorities. “The course will focus on applying this knowledge to the business world Pilots must get along with acquiring the certificate in other industries and with applications.
Currently, the Swiss cannot afford more training assistance
Aeropers, the Swiss and Edelweiss pilots association, welcomes St. Gallen’s academic offensive: “With their extremely demanding but highly specialized training, pilots generally have a hard time finding another job,” says spokesman Thomas Steffen . “In this sense, we support all additional training opportunities for our body. If an offer is specifically based on our existing skills, then we appreciate it even more. “
And what does the Swiss employer say? According to a spokesperson, the airline generally supports employees with additional training. However, this depends on the relevance to the professional activity and is verified on a case-by-case basis. But due to the current crisis situation, pilots should not expect a financial boost. Swiss has to save: “All support measures for continuing training are suspended until further notice.”
