Alternative Careers after High School – (Part I)
Given the fact that in our country the pass percentage of students in 10th & 12th std exams averages at 55 – 60 % and in this, at least 50% secure marks between 45 to 60%, the dilemma is what’s the best option for such students? A regular two year course at college or get hands on training in two years and become employable? It’s a catch-22 situation for many students and parents. But a decision must be taken; else the future is at stake. With this scene in the background, there are the alternative career options in Air ticketing, jewellery designing and fire technology which promise exciting opportunities to the young generation, writes AMEEN-E-MUDASSIR.
IATA COURSES – AIR TICKETING
IATA / UFTAA Level-1: Foundation Course
This is a 13 module foundation Level course offered by International Air Transport Association (IATA) which provides an understanding of the travel and tourism industry, the practicalities of the travel professional’s role in this industry, the importance of exceeding customer expectations, and the role of technology in the travel industry.
Course title: Diploma in Travel and Tourism Foundations.
Eligibility: 10th standard pass or Diploma.
Skills required: Good at Maths and English-language skills.
What do you study in an IATA Course?
The Business Environment of the Travel and Tourism Industry, Geography in Travel Planning, Travel Formalities, Land & Water transport Ferry, Tour Packages, Air Transport Essentials, Technology in the Travel Industry, Air Fares and Ticketing, Electronic Booking Tools, Global Distribution Systems.
Benefits of IATA Foundation Course
After completing the IATA Foundation Diploma Course, the students can make appropriate travel arrangements and reservations, calculate and quote appropriate air fares, Complete international travel documents in accordance with the applicable IATA rules and procedures
IATA Registration Fees
Total fees: Rs.21,000/- (Note: The course fees is inclusive of course material, exam fees (two attempts), postal fees, bank transfer and processing cost).
Institutes: To get list of recognized institutes, visit www.iata.org
Job Opportunities after IATA/UTFA Courses
1. Work with travel agencies.
2. Job opportunities in Airports across the world in ticketing, passenger handling, cargo handling, ground staff, staff, etc..
3. With Advanced certifications, opportunities are still plenty.
GEMOLOGY & JEWELLERY DESIGNING
Gemology is the study of gemstones. Some dictionaries define it as the “scientific study of gemstones”. A gemologist is someone who studies gemstones. Today jewelry designing is one of the most sought careers by creative and artistic people.
Courses Offered
1. Diploma in Gemology and Diamond Grading – five months
Eligibility : Pass in 10th standard.
2. Diploma in Coloured gems and diamond grading.
Eligibility : Pass in 10th standard.
3. Diploma in Jewelery Designing
Eligibility: Pass in 12th standard.
4. Correspondence Courses in Gemmology
Eligibility: 10th pass. Duration: one year.
Institutes offering Gemmology Courses:
1. The Gemmological Institute of India, 29 Gurukul Chambers, 187, 189, Mumbaidevi Road, Mumbai – 400002 Website: http://www.giionline.com
Small Industries Service Institute, 65/1 GST Road, Grading, Chennai–600032.
Course: Training Programme in gem cutting and polishing conducted in collaboration with Madras Gems and Diamond manufacturer’s association. This is a six months’ course
Eligibility: Pass in SSC. Age limit is between 18-35 years (preference for women).
2. National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Centers all over India. Courses only for 12th / Diploma pass students. Website: www.nift.com
FIRE TECHNOLOGY
The ever growing industrialization, the unhindered population growth massive urbanization etc.. have all increased the fire risk to a great extent. This has lead to a great demand for trained personnel.
Great Opportunities in the Gulf
Gulf is the biggest fire prone area in the world, because it has the largest storage of oil. Hence there are thousands of job openings in the field of Safety as Safety Engineers, Officers and supervisors with starting salaries of Rs.25,000/- per month.
Institutions and Courses:
I. National Institute of Fire Engineering, No. 23, 3rd Floor, Vasavi Plaza, 11th Main Road, Jayanagar 4th Block, Bangalore 560030. Website: www.nifeindia.com
Training centers all over India.
1. Certificate Course in Fire Engineering (CCFE)
Duration:6 months. Eligibility: SSC/ SSLC
2. Diploma in Fire Engineering
Duration:1 year. Eligibility: 12th / PUC Passed.
II. College of Fire Technology, A-5, Jay Mangal House, Opp. Gandhigram Railway Station, Ashram Road, Ahmedabad – 380 006. Gujarat – India. Phone: 079-2658 4080, 2658 7009. Web: www.collegeoffiretechnology.com
1. Fireman Course (ITI)
Eligibility: 10th pass.
Duration: one year
2. Safety and Security Course (ITI)
Eligibility: 10th pass.
Duration: one year.
Job Opportunities in Fire Technology
Excellent jobs are on the offer as – Safety Engineer, Safety Inspector, Safety Assistant, Installation Engineer, Fire Protection Technician, Fire Alarm Technician, Design Engineer, Fire Officer, Fire Supervisor, Firemen. In Defense, Railway, Airport Authority, Electricity Boards, C.I.S.F., O.N.G.C., Mines, Refineries, Petrochemical complexes, All municipal authorities situated all over India. Major employers are industries like Reliance, Essar, Adani Port, Welspun Gujarat, Asain Paints, Torrent Power, Petroleum & Oil based companies, Automobiles, manufacturers unit etc. with fire equipments manufacturer’s and fire system contracting firms.
Any Queries on Career/ Education may be sent to: MSW-Career Guidance & Information Center , CIGMA Foundation, # 214, United School Building, Ilyasnagar, J.P.Nagar Post, Bangalore – 560078. Email: ameen@cigma.in. Web:www.cigma.in
