IITA, founded in the United Kingdom in 2012 and in Portugal in 2022, focuses on offering aviation education programs free of charge to vocational school students (grades 10-12), in synergy with partner schools. This training offer joins other existing vocational courses in the national market at vocational schools, such as hospitality, catering, tourism, mechatronics, and IT, among others. Students have the option of choosing between two vocational courses – Aircraft and Flight Equipment Mechanic and Ground Handling Traffic Technician – and can subsequently enter the job market directly or pursue an academic career in aviation at the higher education level. Secondary level classes take place – free of charge – at the facilities of partner vocational schools, which are responsible for the socio-cultural and scientific aspects. All technical components, including internships in the most reputable companies in the sector, are handled by IITA and its team of trainers, comprised of active aviation professionals. The courses have been approved by the Ministry of Education and are already being taught with excellent results in 4 schools on the mainland and islands.

In a demanding sector with a high employability rate, students finish 12th grade with dual certification, ready to enter the job market. Simultaneously, IITA develops professional industry certifications in a wide variety of areas, such as Operational Network Management (aviation), Aviation Cybersecurity, Loadmaster, Handling Operations, Green Aviation, etc. In the future, IITA’s strategic plan is to become a Higher Technical Institute of Aviation, offering various undergraduate, postgraduate, and master’s degrees relevant to the sector.

Source: SOl Newspaper and Human Resources