Connecting with Learners to address skills shortage in the Aerospace Industry  

The premier exhibition of air, sea and land technologies on the African continent and also what has now come to be known as the biggest aviation event in the Southern hemisphere, Africa Aerospace & Defence (AAD) continues to engage with South Africa’s learners through the Africa Aerospace & Defence Youth Development Programme (AAD YDP) Introduced in 2002. The AAD YDP’s key focus is to create awareness around various career opportunities in the defence and aviation sectors, while also promoting mathematics, science and technology in SA’s schools.  

Speaking at a sponsor’s event hosted by Airbus Defence & Space in Irene, Chairperson of the AAD YDP Mr Kholisile Khumalo highlighted the need and importance of creating awareness of the Aerospace industry and the careers that can be pursued to ensure that the skills required in this industry are promoted and maintained.  

The 8th installment of AAD will take place at Air Force Base Waterkloof Centurion; City of Tshwane, from 17 to 21 September 2014.  

This year’s presentation of the AAD Youth Development Programme consists of two categories:  

Trade Days –17-19 September 2014 Public Days (Airshow) – 20-21 September 2014  

The Trade Days will see youth and educators visiting the show as well as attend other sponsor-funded activities for free. Over the Public Days, youth and children that have paid the show entrance fee will also participate in the programme. Activities will include a comprehensive flying display involving military, civilian, sport and recreational aircraft.  

Tickets to attend the airshow on the 20th and 21st September 2014 are available for sale from Computicket. Adult tickets are selling at R70.00 and children from 2-12 years and pensioners pay R60.00. The public are encouraged to purchase pre-paid tickets from Computicket in order to avoid frustration and alleviate congestion at the gate.                 T

he AAD YDP includes the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) Military Skills Development System (MSDS), which is a dedicated platform to create awareness for career prospects in the SANDF four Arms of Service being the Army, Air Force, Navy and Military Health Service. The MSDS is a voluntary two-year programme; candidates who complete the course exit from the system and have the option to serve in the reserve force or stay on for medium-term career opportunities.   

Located in Hangar 6 of the AAD Show in Air Force Base Waterkloof, the YDP will see more than 7200 Grade 9, 10 and 11 go through a facilitated and focused programme that includes model building, various simulators, motivational talks and career guidance.     For information regarding school participation in the programme as well as other event related requirements, contact the YDP’s chairperson YDP Committee Mr Kholisile Khumalo (Chairperson) Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Web: www.aadexpo.co.za  

African Aerospace and Defence Show YDP sponsors:  

ACE Services and MECE,ACSA, African Pilot Magazine, ARMSCOR, Aerospace Leadership Academy, ATNS, BAE Systems Land Systems SA,

Cassidian Optronics (Pty) Ltd, DENEL, Department of Defence, Expo Solutions, GAC Laser International Logistics, GEW Technologies (Pty) Ltd, Kallman Paramount Group, Redeployment Camp Systems (RCS), SACAA, South African Airways, SA Express, USA            

Youth Development Programme – “Mobilize the youth today to sustain the aerospace and defence capability of tomorrow”  

AAD is jointly hosted and presented by Aerospace Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa (AMD), the Commercial Aviation Association of Southern Africa (CAASA), the Aerospace and the Armament Corporation of South Africa (Armscor). Substantial support is received from National Government, Department of Defence as well as the Department of Trade and Industry.    

Visit our website for more information: www.aadexpo.co.za and for regular updates follow AAD2014 on: FB https://www.facebook.com/africaaerospaceanddefence Twitter @aadexpo Instagram @aadexpo Join the conversation using the hashtag: #aadexpo14    

ENDS  

Issued by: Mr Sandile Nqayi AAD2014 Marketing & PR Manager

Cell: +27(0) 84 840 3214
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