Career change takes flight

Albany’s Bronte Walker has been hand-picked from thousands of hopefuls to train as an Emirates cabin crew host.

The 24-year-old secured a place at the airline’s prestigious training school in the United Arab Emirates, after deciding to change careers six months ago.

“As much as Albany will always be home, I really wanted to travel and challenge myself,” she said.

“I am almost 25 and I have never moved from Albany. I have always wanted to experience what it would be like to live in another country, I didn’t want to look back on life and wonder.”

Ms Walker has been in Dubai for two months, completing the eight-week training program to obtain her licence.

“I never believed I would even stand a chance against 250,000 other hopefuls that apply each year, who speak multiple languages or have experience in the industry,” she said.

“So for me the competition to get the job and be a part of the 4 per cent who are successful makes it prestigious in itself.

“Whenever I thought of the Emirates brand I thought of luxury.

“When you see the cabin crew in the airports in their uniforms and famous red hats they also looked so elegant and it captivated me.”

Ms Walker is set to graduate from training this week before she flies to Munich in Germany.

“It’s surreal to believe this is my life,” she said.

“It’s been an amazing start to a new adventure.”