ESAT on course to train tomorrow's workforce

Dr Ali Chibani, dean of the University College of Aviation & Technology (ESAT) in Tunis, is determined the demand for expertise in the aviation sector will be met by skilled aviation industry workers, thanks to the university’s variety of training programmes.

“The manufacturing industry is trying to lower costs as much as possible to remain competitive in the market, but it cannot because the price of material everywhere is the same,” he observed. “So the only way to lower the costs is the workforce – the expenses for engineers, technicians, normal workers.”

Equipping that workforce with the skills required for careers in the aviation industry is ESAT, Tunisia’s first university specialising in aviation.

“We have the University College of Aviation & Technology and we have the Aviation Flight Academy (AFA). AFA is for pilot training and the university is for engineering,” explained Chibani.

Working together as sister institutions, AFA and ESAT are training the next generation of aeronautical engineers and pilots in Tunis. Both groups of students take integrated preparatory classes based on maths and physics during the first two years at ESAT together, before continuing on their chosen training paths.

“Our focus is to have skilled engineers that have the basic training in everything to do with aeronautics, aviation engineering, mechanics, avionics and also have the hands-on experience,” said Chibani. “They also need to be skilled on the CAD software so they will be hired.”

Getting a job is the main objective for the students and their teachers. The school started in 2003 and the first group graduated in 2008/2009. In the last four years a further 70 have graduated with about 40 now already working. Chibani added: “This is good for Tunisia – if you have around 60-70% who are working this is a good result. Most stay in Tunisia to work but also we have opportunities abroad.

“We have a small problem here in terms of language – our problem is English,” he added. “We are trying to enforce English here and that is why we signed with Jeppesen Academy for Aviation English training.”

 “Basically, I’m building a relationship with manufacturing companies like Zodiac and Aerolia,” said Chibani. “Also we have a partnership with the Aeroconseil engineering group based in Toulouse, and now they have a site right here in Tunis. Two years ago they started here in Tunis with our engineers. They hired about 10 from our school and these engineers are now working on projects with them.”

To prepare the students for working in the industry, the aeronautical engineering programme at ESAT is divided into two parts. The first is dedicated to aviation maintenance technology, preparing the student for a career in aircraft maintenance and repair as an airframe and power plant mechanic. Career opportunities include general aviation aircraft maintenance but it is also a good companion programme for those that might be interested in corporate pilot careers or careers in mission flying.

The second part of the programme focuses on avionics technology and prepares the student for a career working on the advanced radio, electronics, and related aircraft instrumentation systems in the aircraft industry. 

Alternatively, students may choose to embark on the pilot training programme at AFA. Its ATPL theoretical knowledge course is designed for people with knowledge levels of PPL up and covers all the areas for the commercial pilots license, as well as the instrument rating.

Through these programmes, ESAT’s mission is to provide the aviation sector with well-trained professionals who have the skills needed for employment, through a training programme recognised and certified.

Practical training through qualifications type rating and industry internships allow students to get professional experience while progressing in their curriculum. “They don’t have this kind of school in other countries that have this kind of higher degree qualification,” Chibani said.