South Africa currently has an unemployment rate of 25.5%. With millions of South Africans currently looking for jobs, it is vital for young people to carefully consider their future career paths. In contrast with this statistic, there is hope for those wishing to work in the aviation industry. In fact, there is a growing skills shortage in the South African aviation maintenance industry. This phenomenon is not limited to South Africa. The 2014 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook document predicts that more than 580 000 new maintenance technicians will be required to maintain the world's airliners over the next twenty years. Even Africa, the slowest growing region according to Boeing, will require 19 000 new maintenance technicians over the next twenty years. In a recent edition of Forbes Magazine, aviation safety consultant John Goglia mentioned, "As I travel around the country speaking with aviation professionals seeking to fill jobs in all types of aviation, from general aviation to corporate to air taxi and airline, the fretting these days is real. Almost everyone seeking to fill a pilot or mechanic opening has remarked on the difficulty of finding qualified applicants." In other words, despite unemployment statistics, there has arguably never been a better time to follow a career in aviation maintenance.

Once one has decided to pursue a career in the aviation maintenance industry, the next step would be to find a reputable training organisation.

Mega Aero Training Academy (MATA) part of the Safomar Group of companies is an ideal example for such training as it is accredited by the South African Civil Aviation Authority, the Transport Education Training Authority (TETA) and the National Artisans Moderation Body.

MATA was established in January 2010, to address the skills shortage in the industry. The academy assists students to select the trade best suited to their individual aptitudes, interests and personalities. Also its curriculum has been customised to ensure students gain knowledge and skills specifically required by the local and international aviation industries.

With decades of experience in the airline industry, the twelve Instructors employed by MATA are certainly some of the best qualified and experienced Instructors in South Africa. The academy's immaculate state-of-the-art training facility is located on the eastern side of O.R Tambo International Airport and has recently been expanded to include a brand new practical facility.

The Academy recently hosted a Welcome Day to welcome the new intake of students at the Academy and to facilitate a tour of the facility to the students as well as the Aircraft Maintenance Organisations that MATA is affiliated with where students are placed for their practical work experience. MATA has recently acquired a Harvard Aircraft from the Harvard Club of South Africa for the Practical Training Centre. The Practical task set out for the students will be to rebuild this aircraft

The welcome day also served as a graduation ceremony for students who had completed their courses and Jonnesway Professional Tool Range Sponsored Tool Vouchers for students that had achieved the best marks for their respective courses.  The Jonnesway Professional Tool Range  caters for the aviation, industrial, automotive and refinishing industries comprising of a complete automotive, hand and pneumatic range. The aviation range is available through Safomar Aviation.

For more information regarding the MATA contact: admin@matasa.co.za +27 11 395 4144 or visit the website at www.matasa.co.za