Gayan Rangana Patabendige Wijethunga, 29, from Sri Lanka, is an example of how determination and commitment are the key to pursuing and realising one's dreams. His story begins with a strong vocation for aviation, a passion he has cultivated since childhood, imagining one day to become an airline pilot.
His road, as is often the case, was paved with many difficulties, which soon led him to reconsider his goals, without ever abandoning his passion for the world of flying.
Training and first steps in Italy
Gayan has a varied educational and cultural background. After obtaining a high school diploma in business administration in his home country, he went on to graduate from a four-year science high school in Valenza, Italy. Although the path to becoming a pilot did not prove viable, Gayan was not discouraged and decided to look for other ways to enter the aviation sector.
This is how he discovered the course for Stopover Attendant organized by Accademia del Lavoro, a choice that represented a decisive turning point in his career. Through this programme, he found his new vocation, that as a airport employee, o ground steward, a role that led him to work closely with passengers and pilots, bringing him ever closer to his dream of flying.
Technical and practical skills acquired
During the course, Gayan had the opportunity to immerse himself in the airport dynamics, discovering a whole new and fascinating world, invisible to the eyes of ordinary travellers. The training programme provided him with a solid technical and practical basis: he learnt the operation of airport systems, the safety regulations, the handling of dangerous goods and the procedures of major airport companies. These skills proved to be fundamental in order to approach his work with confidence and autonomy from the very first days.
In addition to technical knowledge, one of the key lessons of the course was contact with the public. The role of the stopover attendant requires great passenger relations management skills, and Gayan has honed his communication skills to respond effectively to travellers' needs, ensuring a smooth and safe experience.
A career as an airport attendant
Today, Gayan works as airport attendant in an Italian airport, a job he is deeply passionate about. His role consists of supporting ground operations, welcoming passengers, assisting with check-in procedures, baggage handling and emergency management. Thanks to the training he received, he was able to become autonomous right from the start, demonstrating great reliability and organisational skills.
Every day, his work brings him into contact with the beating heart of the aviation world, fuelling his joy and motivation. “I like every second I spend at the airport,” says Gayan enthusiastically, emphasising how the dynamic airport environment and the continuous interaction with different people make him feel fulfilled.
To those who wish to pursue a career in the industry, Gayan advises to never give up. “Follow your dream,” he says, “sooner or later you will reach your goal and this aviation world will never let you down.”
His experience shows how determination and the ability to adapt can open up new paths, even when the original plans seem unattainable.
Gayan's story is a concrete example of how, with passion and determination, one can overcome difficulties and find new opportunities in the field one loves. For him, Accademia del Lavoro was the stepping stone to a career that brings him closer to heaven, every day.
Of course, his dream of becoming a pilot remains in his heart. Working closely with the world of flying has only strengthened his ambition, and who knows, maybe one day he will achieve this goal as well.
