Between them Victoria Coomer and Anna Pacehave flown around 10 million miles – that’s the equivalent of flying around the world 400 times.
Anna Pace and Victoria Coomer
Their high-flying careers have cruised at 36,000 feet in eight different aircraft types, on short and long haul routes to some three dozen countries.
In the past 20 years they have handled a variety of in-flight situations from arresting three drunken and abusive passengers to catching a couple joining the ‘mile high’ club on a flight from Mexico.
Now they are balancing their cabin crew work, with an international commercial airline, by passing on their experience on to a new generation of hopefuls who want to land similar jobs with the world’s leading airlines.
Vicky, from Cheadle, and Anna, from Worsley, have launched ‘Cabin Crew Workshop’ – their own business to prepare wannabe stewards and stewardesses for that all important interview.
“Most applicants are desperate to get their dream job,” says Anna, “but competition is so fierce that only a small fraction of applicants are successful. We can prepare them because we understand the standards that are expected – all the way from economy to premium and first class service. It’s in our blood.”
One-day cabin crew workshops are now in place at Manchester, Birmingham Liverpool and Leeds– teaching skills from appearance and grooming to safety, first aid and conflict management.
Once through their initial cabin crew training, airlines may even retrain recruits to provide specialist in-flight nanny and beautician services.
“But first they need to nail that initial interview,” says Vicky, “because if they fail then they not only take a major blow to their confidence but they can’t re-apply for another six months. So we want them to feel confident, relaxed and knowledgeable to make the most of their opportunity.”
Confirmed courses, so far, are at Crowne Plaza hotels at Manchester International Airport (October 12, November 9 and December 7), Birmingham Airport NEC (October 13, November 10), Liverpool John Lennon Airport (December 8) and more being planned in Leeds next year
Cabin Crew Workshop is at www.cabincrewworkshop.co.uk
