Fancy spreading your wings? EasyJet plans to hire an army of over-50s to join its cabin crew – as research shows middle-aged people crave a new challenge
- easyJet has launched a plan to recruit an army of over-50s cabin crew
- Survey of 2,000 people over 50 shows that middle-aged people need a new challenge
- Three quarters said they believed their age would prevent them from finding a job
If the lure of retirement doesn’t quite appeal, don’t worry, easyJet may have another opportunity waiting in the wings.
The British airline hopes to recruit an army of over-50s cabin crew.
The airline has launched a new ‘Returnship’ programme after research showed that middle-aged people are looking for a new challenge.
The initiative will offer free online careers information sessions and run taster courses at its Gatwick training centre.
It is the result of an EasyJet survey of 2,000 over-50s, which found that 46 percent had considered a new career.
British airline easyJet hopes to recruit an army of over-50s cabin crew (pictured: a trial session at easyJet’s training centre at London Gatwick)
The airline has launched a new ‘Returnship’ programme after research showed middle-aged people are hungry for a new challenge. (Pictured: A taster session at easyJet’s training centre in London Gatwick)
Nearly two in ten said they didn’t think they could even apply for a flight attendant job if they were over 30 (Pictured: A taster session at easyJet’s training centre at London Gatwick)
However, many indicated that they consider cabin crew a job for younger people, with three quarters saying that they believe their age prevents them from getting the job.
Nearly two in ten said they thought they wouldn’t even be considered for a job as a flight attendant if they were over 30.
Michael Brown, director of cabin services, said: ‘Cabin crew can be a job for anyone with the right skills, regardless of age.
‘That’s why it’s important that through initiatives like our ‘Returnship’ campaign we tackle misconceptions about the job and broaden the horizons for even more talented people looking for a new opportunity who can bring their wealth of life experience to the sector.
‘So if you’re passionate about working with people and are looking for a job that’s different every day, we absolutely encourage you to apply. We can’t wait to have you as part of the team.’
EasyJet has significantly increased the number of middle-aged employees in recent years.
The airline employs twice as many people over 50 as it did two years ago, and four times as many people over 60.
