Earn while you learn

Pervin Malhotra
email your queries to [email protected] 

Q.After completing my Class XII (PCM), I have taken admission in BCom. Will it be possible for me to become an Air Force Pilot or Officer? — Jaspreet Bali

A.As a matter of fact, women graduates (any discipline) with maths and physics in +2 can join the flying wing of the Indian Air Force through the Short Service Commission which has now been extended to 14 years i.e.an initial period of 10 years, extendable by 4 years.

While women engineers have been serving as ground duty officers as well as fixed wing aircraft and helicopter pilots, they haven’t been part of the air crew.

Actually, the Flight Engineers’ branch was only opened to women officers in 2018. Just recently, Flight Lt Hina Jaiswal from Chandigarh became the first woman flight engineer in the IAF. As a member of the flight crew, flight engineers monitor and operate complex aircraft systems. Posted in a helicopter unit, be prepared to undertake fling missions in varied geographical and climatic conditions ranging from Siachen Glacier to coastal regions and burning hot deserts. Not just that, young men and women between 20-25 years who did not have science in Computer XII or at the bachelors or post-graduate level are eligible to enrol for the Ground Duty Officer course for entry into administration, logistics, accounts or education wings of the Air Force. 

Check out: www.careerairforce.nic.in

Q.I will be taking my Boards this year. I am very keen to work in the hotel industry, particularly in a five star hotel. I am smart and can speak English, but due to financial problems at home, I may not be able to pursue a 3 or 4-year course in hotel management. Is there any other way I can achieve my goal? — Yash Khaneja

A.Yes there is!  

The Oberoi Group’s STEP (Systematic Training & Education Programme) may be just the thing for you. This 3-year programme which commences in August gives you an opportunity to acquire specific and specialised training and knowledge in 4 operations departments:

Front Office operations

Housekeeping operations

Food & Beverage service operations

Kitchen Operations (Indian & Western)

Alongside, students pursue a Bachelor of Tourism degree from IGNOU.

Eligibility: you just need to have completed Class XII.

No percentage is mandated.

Additionally, you’ll be enrolled in Bachelor’s in Tourism Studies (BTS) from IGNOU (assistance is provided in the form of a dedicated study day once a week, IGNOU fees, reference books and additional three weeks leave to take the exams.

Besides a monthly stipend, students are provided accommodation, meals on duty, uniform and medical insurance).

Selection to the programme comprises 3 Rounds, each focusing on different aspects between 4-16 April 2019 (depending on the test centre requested)

Round 1: Candidates are evaluated for grooming, poise & spoken English.

Round 2: One-on-one meeting with a faculty led panel to know the candidate better and assess aptitude for hospitality.

Round 3: Activities and questionnaires including a final interview with panel (May be on a different day & city than the 2 previous rounds).

The application process for these programmes which begins in October each year is still open.

Check out the details & fill in the application form online: www.oberoigroup.com/careers/join_us/step.htm?Step=Admission

The Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS) - School of Vocational Education & Taj Hotels offer a 3 year Bachelor of Vocation Degree in Hotel Mgt (B.Voc), that combines academics with on-the-job training to equip you to become a hospitality professional. Eligibility:  Class 12 class pass (in all subjects)

Age: 17 – 21 years

You’ll be awarded a BVoc degree from TISS-SVE upon completion of 6 sems

The fee will be provided as scholarship by Taj – along with surplus for pocket expenses

Deserving students will be offered career placements with Taj upon graduation

You’re not required to fill any bond. You are free to pursue any opportunities coming your way

You’ll receive Practical learning in Taj hotels in Mumbai, Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Goa

Theory classes in TISS Centres in above cities

Also, check out the WELCOMLEAD undergraduate programme that develops young professionals to deliver exceptional hospitality service. Wwholly financed by ITC Ltd, the programme includes a handsome stipend and a structured academic & on the job training curriculum. The program is conducted at all ITC prefixed hotels (ITC Hotels). Trainees become get a Bachelor of Arts (Tourism Studies) degree from IGNOU) apart from getting the WelcomLEAD Certification & experience from ITC Hotels.

Details: www.itchotels.in/hmi/programmes/welcomlead.html