British Airways Launches ‘Leaders of Tomorrow’ Initiative

British Airways announced last week its launch of a capacity building initiative tagged “Leaders of Tomorrow” in a move towards deepening the airways contribution to the development of Nigeria’s aviation industry. A core part of this initiative will consist of the international airline funding the training of six students who will be chosen from the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology, Zaria and the International Aviation College, Ilorin, Kwara State. At a press conference held in Lagos to formally launch the initiative, Mr. Kola Olayinka, the Country Commercial Manager of British Airways and Iberia, expressed that the idea was part of a larger plan British Airways is deploying to contribute to the development of the country’s aviation sector. “This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between the classroom and the actual work environment. We believe in supporting talents by providing them a veritable platform where they can learn and gain experience in their chosen fields.” The internship module will include understudying Keith Williams, CEO of British Airways in London, as well as visiting strategic places to get firsthand experience of the workings of a global airline. All interns chosen will receive a British Airways accredited certification from the CEO to mark their graduation from the Leaders of Tomorrow Academy. To qualify, interested students from these colleges are required to submit a 500 word document to www.baleadersoftomorrow.com on the topic: Building a more Robust Aviation Industry and Travel Luxury; Benefits of International Airlines. Students are therefore asked to send in their entries as the deadline for submission is April 10th. All entries will be vetted and scrutinized by a panel of three pre-selected judges.