Menzies Aviation and Amahoro Coalition launch aviation training programme for refugees in Uganda

Menzies Aviation has launched a new Refugee Workforce Programme in Uganda, enabling training, skills development and potential career pathways for refugees seeking opportunities in the aviation industry.

Developed in partnership with Amahoro Coalition, the programme welcomed its first cohort of 12 forcibly displaced students, who began formal training at the Menzies Aviation Training School this week.

Uganda is the first country in Menzies’ Middle East, Africa and Asia (MEAA) region to launch the initiative, with plans to roll it across its other MEAA locations.

Following an initial assessment, participants will be enrolled in either the IATA ATC Airline Customer Service Diploma or the IATA ATC Cargo Introductory Diploma, equipping them with industry-recognised knowledge and skills for careers within airport and cargo operations.

The programme has been designed as a three-phase pathway, combining classroom learning, practical workplace experience and potential employment opportunities. The first phase will focus on training and onboarding, with participants undertaking a three-month programme delivered by the Menzies Aviation Training School. Training materials and meals will be provided by Menzies, while transport will be available from designated staff transport pick-up points.

Upon successful completion of the training programme, participants will progress to a second phase of internship placements within operational areas at Entebbe International Airport, providing practical exposure to airport environments and day-to-day operations.

The third phase will support potential recruitment opportunities within Menzies Aviation, subject to operational requirements, vacancies, individual performance, qualifications and the company’s standard recruitment processes.

Mary Efata, General Manager Menzies Aviation, said: “Uganda is home to one of the largest refugee populations in Africa and many people are looking for the opportunity to build a future. You only have to meet the participants of this new programme to see the ambition and determination they bring. We’re excited to welcome the first group and help them discover what a career in aviation can offer.”

Juliet Thomson, Chief People Officer, Menzies Aviation said: “Creating opportunities for refugees depends on strong partnerships. We’re proud to be working with the Amahoro Coalition on this programme and helping create opportunities for talented people who may otherwise face barriers to employment. We’ve seen first-hand the skills, resilience and commitment that people from refugee backgrounds bring to our teams and I’m grateful to everyone who has helped turn this idea into reality.”

Isaac Kwaku Fokuo, the Curator of Amahoro Coalition said: “Aviation is a powerful enabler of labour mobility, connecting people, markets and opportunities across the continent. This partnership is about ensuring displaced talent is part of that movement, equipped with the skills to access opportunities and contribute to Africa’s future of work.”

The programme builds on Menzies’ refugee hiring strategy, which has already supported employment opportunities for more than 120 refugees globally across multiple markets. Refugee hiring initiatives are currently active in 12 countries, with programmes tailored to local requirements and supported through partnerships with organisations including UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and the Tent Partnership for Refugees.

Menzies views refugee employment as a workforce strategy that helps expand access to talent, strengthen workforce resilience and create sustainable pathways into employment.

Beyond providing immediate skills development and employment opportunities, the Uganda programme is intended to establish a sustainable refugee workforce pathway that can be evaluated, refined and potentially replicated elsewhere across the Menzies Aviation network.