NCAA, NBTE grants NCAT approval to kickstart training with phased resumption, strict safety precautions

Chinazor Megbolu    |   The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) and the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE) have granted the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), approval for resumption of training activities at post Covid-19 pandemic lock down.

The approval also stated that NCAT will resume phased training with effect from October 12, 2020.

The College, according to the approval, will kickstart phased resumption of training activities with enhanced safety and training measures in line with its Covid-19 prevention/control procedures manual.

The document explained the move is towards ensuring maximum safety and comfort of trainees at the NCAT, adding that some precautions and measures were adopted in order to prevent the spread and transmission of Covid-19 virus.

“Development of Covid-19 Prevention/Control Procedures Manual (NCOVID-19PM) in line with the recommendations of the NCAA, NBTE, Federal Ministry of Health, and WHO.

“ Regular, well-supervised, and documented cleaning and disinfection of aircraft, simulators, trainers, training equipment, classrooms, briefing rooms, aircraft hangars, hostels, cafeteria and other training facilities in strict compliance with the NCOVID-19PM and NCDC recommendations.

” Health Screenings of all students on arrival at the College’s Aeromedical Center.

“Provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all trainees and staff as well as enforcing the mandatory use of face masks during trainings and in public spaces.

 “Provision of Hand washing and Hand sanitising points at multiple locations within the College premises; fixing of Signages at strategic locations in the College to sensitise staff and trainees about the prevention and control of Covid-19.

“Rearrangement of seats in classrooms, workshops, laboratories, cafeteria and other training facilities to ensure physical distancing of two meters. Each classroom is currently arranged to accommodate half of its normal capacity; labelling of seats to ensure social distancing in Lecture Theater, offices, common rooms, laboratories, workshops and hangars”.

The document maintained that the conduct of online HSE training with emphasis on Covid-19 prevention/control for all trainees prior to resumption.

“NCAT with the vision of maintaining the prestigious position of the foremost aviation training institution in Africa and amongst the best in the world, has consistently for over 55 years provided the aviation industry with professionals and other personnel through training and related services for safe air transportation in accordance with international standards.

“The College is an NCAA Approved Training Organisation and designated as a Regional Training Center of Excellence by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). It is also accredited by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to offer National and Higher National Diploma Courses,” the issued approval said.