The lack of enough jobs in the future for pilot students who complete training could become a serious national issue, Transport Minister Mohamed Ameen has said.
Speaking at a press conference by the Transport Ministry on Wednesday, Ameen referred to loans issued under the previous government’s student loan scheme for 479 students to train as pilots.
“I believe that, considering the number of young people doing pilot training in the country, this is expected to become a serious national problem in the next year or two, or a problem for certain,” Ameen said.
The problem could have been avoided if the Civil Aviation Authority had taken responsibility after setting aside politics, Ameen said. The agency should have explained the possible consequences to students and parents, he said.
“On the national level, scholarship schemes should be opened to the extent needed by that country or after shaping the government’s system to ensure that those who complete studies would have opportunities,” Ameen said.
At the time when the 400 scholarships were announced, there were 60 cadet pilots unable to secure jobs in the country and 200 students were undergoing training overseas across the world, he said.
The Maldives does not have enough jobs for the students who return after completing pilot training, Ameen noted at the press conference.
“How much do students who complete training get jobs in the country. No airline can operate by hiring all the cadet pilots. Maldivian and TMA are opening job opportunities. When figures from both are averaged, the number of jobs don’t reach above 30,” Ameen said.
Ameen, who has experience in the aviation sector, said cadet pilots were unable to find jobs anywhere in the world. The reason was because of a backlog of cadet pilots in all countries and locals are prioritized in hiring, he said.
Students who complete aviation entry-level training would be unable to find jobs due to lack of experience, he noted. More opportunities would open up after becoming a captain in an airline, he added.
Despite the minister’s remarks, the government has decided not to cancel any loans issued by the previous administration. But as many loans were provided in the same sector, some students have changed their field of study.
