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Up, Up & Away! Flight Attendant Graduation

juliedunn
Explorer C

The second floor of our Headquarters building is brimming with energy and spirit, where dreams are becoming reality, class by class.  After more than two years, Flight Attendant Candidates are running from classroom to classroom being tested on a variety of topics.  An aggressive curriculum is taught over a four-week period, within which candidates are tested regularly.  Candidates must pass these tests with a 90 or above to continue with training and eventually become Southwest Airlines Flight Attendants.  It can be intense at times, but every day begins with a class cheer to remind candidates that even though there will be personal struggles and triumphs during training, we are all in this together.

Fittingly enough for the LUV Airline, Class #248 started on Valentine’s Day, and included seven new Inflight Supervisors who joined the Base Leadership ranks upon graduation.  Class #248 also made time to break away for the 2011 Message to the Field to listen to our CEO, President, and Chairman, Gary Kelly, speak about our 2011 Battle Plan.  I was proud to witness their graduation ceremony on March 11, where Senior Vice President and Chief People Officer Jeff Lamb served as the keynote speaker.  As 113 Graduates (all Internal Candidates) crossed the stage to receive their wings from Inflight Trainers, Fellow Flight Attendants, or Family Members, I couldn’t help but smile imagining these new Southwest Flight Attendants starting their journey and winning over our Customers with their professionalism and charm.  I secretly hope that each of them always remembers the feeling they had the moment they received their first set of shiny wings.

Throughout the weeks since I said goodbye to Class #248, I’ve received notes from our newest Flight Attendants. BWI Flight Attendant Geoffrey C. wrote, I had my first Inflight Audit on Wednesday, and the MDW Supervisor said that I did great. I just wanted to say hi and tell you that I LUV the job.”  We pair the newest Flight Attendants with specially-selected Flight Attendants called, CoHearts. These CoHearts serve as mentors for our newest Employees. CoHeart Sharon M. recently commended Members of Class #248.  I just wanted to drop you a note to let you know my new CoHearts have been amazing!  They are so positive, outgoing, and eager to take everything in.  Please pass the good news on to your Inflight Training Team, Recruiters, and Interviewers who selected them—they did a FANTASTIC job!”

Each member of Class #248 is currently based in either OAK or BWI.  We recently welcomed Class #249 to Headquarters for another four weeks of training. It’s nice to walk into the building and immediately hear the energy and pride that comes with a loud cheer: (clap, clap) “Class #249—The Pride Starts Here!”   Yep—that's when you know it’s going to be another great day here in Inflight Training!

 

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