NEW ERA OF AVIATION TALENT

Through an exciting new partnership with the Massey University School of Aviation (Massey), we have welcomed our first student from Massey’s Aviation Management course, Alisa Izumi, into the PHI International (PHI) Safety and Quality team.

Alisa has spent the last three months supporting the implementation of safety cases (initiatives) in Ghana, Cyprus and Onslow (Australia).

I’ve definitely found more of a passion for safety and quality culture.

The partnership with Massey aims to launch the careers of the next generation of aviation professionals by equipping them with real world experience in the industry. Typically, students going through the programme at Massey are exposed to major airports and airlines, with a focus on commercial operations. Now, through its involvement, PHI is providing students a unique insight into helicopter aviation.

Anke Smith, the School’s Business Development and International Programmes Manager, said as the first helicopter operator in its network of host organisations, PHI offers students exposure to a new type of aviation.

“Being at the coalface of a globally successful company like PHI, our students will see first-hand the value PHI offers to its clients. Students will also get exposure to an expert, diverse workforce from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.”

The opportunity with PHI has opened a door for Alisa into an area of the aviation industry that she previously knew little about.

HomeBase spoke with Alisa about her background and experience with PHI.

Alisa was born in Japan and has lived in Palmerston North since the age of three, crediting her Japanese heritage and experience of travel from a young age with sparking her interest in aviation.

“Ever since I can remember, I have always loved everything about travel—from the experience of being in an airport to arriving somewhere new,” said Alisa.

“The global nature of aviation is what most appeals to me—the opportunities are endless.”

When asked about the opportunity with PHI International, Alisa said she hadn’t actually heard of PHI prior to Anke Smith proposing the opportunity.

“I’m incredibly glad I know of PHI now and I hope this partnership opens the door for others studying at the School of Aviation. The awesome thing about the experience with PHI is that it’s an international organisation—it exposes you to more than just the operational side of a business. Before doing this role, I didn’t ever consider that safety and quality would be a pathway I could take—it’s definitely something I would consider now,” said Alisa.

Alisa has been working with Rob Cavers, Safety and Quality Director and the Safety and Quality team, and credits Rob for the warm welcome she received.

“The team is so supportive and nice. Working remotely, people might think ‘how would than pan out?’ but Rob is an amazing boss—I know I can just flick him a message, and he will always get back to me. The experience has been incredibly rewarding.”

Alisa spent one week in Nelson at PHI’s New Zealand headquarters for her initial training and says the experience with the team there couldn’t be matched.

“In my Aviation School studies we learn a lot about culture, which is one of our core papers, and having done this paper the semester prior to starting at PHI, I was more aware of culture and the impact it has on an organisation.

“Seeing this in practice is invaluable. Especially PHI’s safety culture—you can learn by reading about it—but unless you experience it first-hand, you don’t grasp the concept as well,” said Alisa.

The project has introduced her to bow-tie methodology, which is a way of identifying and understanding the impacts of hazards—commonly used in aviation.

“The work I am doing will help ensure the safety management system is in place and the teams have everything they need to prevent incidents from occurring,” Alisa said.

“The reporting culture at PHI is especially impressive—you can see how it really works to help prevent further incidents happening in the future.”

When asked if she has a dream role in the industry Alisa said the most important thing to her would be a matter of enjoying the role as well as the culture and team environment.

“There is a vast amount of work that goes on behind the scenes that people don’t know about. For example, when people travel through an airport—they have no idea about what is really going on to make sure things run smoothly. Getting involved in an opportunity like the PHI/Massey partnership opens your eyes to other types of roles in the industry.

“I have always been interested in scheduling—however, I know I’ve definitely found more of a passion for safety and quality culture which is exciting,” said Alisa.

Rob Cavers said he has been impressed with Alisa’s hard work and is looking forward to seeing other students join the programme.

“Alisa is the first of many students PHI will help to build the knowledge, analytical and research skills of and help establish themselves within the industry, setting them up for a long and successful career in our diverse and essential industry,” Rob said.

PHI will offer internships to Aviation Management students on an ongoing basis from November and plans to open up the same opportunity to Bachelor of Aviation students in the near future.