Ullovu Learners Explore Aviation Careers at ICAO NGAP Summit 2025

Durban, 13 August 2025 – Learners from Ullovu Secondary School had a unique opportunity to step into the world of aviation this week at the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) Next Generation of Aviation Professionals (NGAP) Summit, hosted in collaboration with the South African Civil Aviation Authority (SACAA) at the Durban International Convention Centre.

The summit, part of a global initiative to address the growing demand for aviation professionals, highlighted that by the time today’s toddlers graduate, the industry will need over one million cabin crew, nearly 700,000 pilots and maintenance technicians, and more than 130,000 air traffic controllers, according to ICAO Secretary General Juan Carlos Salazar.

Ullovu Secondary learners engaging with an aviation expert.

During the summit, learners explored the many roles that support the aviation industry, from technicians and engineers to runway marshals and air traffic controllers. The program emphasized the importance of aligning education and training with real-world industry needs, encouraging collaboration between airlines, regulators, governments, and academia to prepare the next generation of aviation professionals while addressing youth unemployment across the continent.

For Simphiwe Sibiya, one of the Ullovu learners who attended, the experience was eye-opening. “Meeting skilled professionals gave me a glimpse of their daily work. I learned how a plane takes off and lands, the roles of everyone involved, and even got to see the cockpit as a passenger in a mini aeroplane. This experience has sparked my interest in aviation, and I’m now considering a career in the field, including roles like aircraft crash investigation,” Simphiwe said.

Although Simphiwe did not participate in the model-building activity, the immersive experiences provided a clear insight into aviation operations and the diverse career opportunities within the industry.

The school views participation in the NGAP Summit as a vital way to inspire learners to engage with STEM subjects and consider careers in sectors that are critical to the future economy. By exposing learners to global standards and industry professionals, Ullovu continues to empower its students to dream big and explore careers beyond the classroom.

As aviation continues to grow across Africa and the world, experiences like the NGAP Summit ensure that learners at Ullovu are not only aware of the opportunities but are also motivated to pursue them.