THE Guangzhou Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Co (GAMECO) has embarked on a tailor-made, intensive training programme to turn new recruits into certified entry-level mechanics.
Selected candidates will undergo three to five months of English-language training and a three-month course covering ''basic'' and ''type'' training.
''Basic'' covers familiarisation with tools and fundamental aircraft knowledge, while ''type'' deals with the fleet's Boeing 737, 757 and 767 aircraft.
''These [so-called] 180-day wonders are helping us in a tight situation,'' said training manager Wan Fook-chuen.
''When China Southern, our largest customer and shareholder, is receiving one new jet per month, we must be able to keep up with the added workload.'' To date, 155 mechanics have passed through the course since it was launched 18 months ago.
After completing the course, mechanics are not granted a licence, they must work with licensed mechanics under strict supervision.
