Social Responsibility

The Link is a programme created by Airlink in 2016, it identifies bright young minds that have the potential to become excellent STEM mavericks, this group is mentored by Airlink while in high school for a period of three years and stand a chance of being awarded an Airlink bursary for completion of their tertiary studies. By exposing these learners from low-income backgrounds to possibilities in the STEM arena, especially aviation, Airlink hopes that some of them will learn more about the aviation industry and choose school subjects that are tailor made for the careers within or as support to the aviation industry. The programme ensures that the right candidate is selected to join ‘THE LINK’ while at the same time ensuring a larger, lasting impact and memorable experience for all participants. This is achieved through positioning aviation at the forefront of the participants minds by using STEM related solutions and subject matter.

1. Provide learners from low-income backgrounds exposure to the Aviation/Aerospace industry
2. Highlight the importance and role of STEM subjects and their connection to Aviation;
3. Expose learners to an accessible, fun, cool, peer 2 peer and practical way of understanding STEM subjects;
4. Start the process of selecting a pipeline of future aviation talent based on merit;
5. Introduce aviation as a career concept for learners in an environment where their aptitude is tested out of the classroom;
6. Ensure that learners receive the necessary support required to excel in the program by involving their schools and guardians;

1. 60 learners via the applied STEM Innovation Challenge.
2. Maximum one (1) destination annually.
3. Grade 10 learners between 15 – 16 years​ old.
4. Shortlist between 12 - 14 learners to the psychometric tests.
5. About 6-8 learners are inducted into THE LINK and are mentored and monitored for the rest of their high school careers.
6. Upon completing matric, learners have the opportunity to apply for THE LINK Bursary for tertiary studies.

*Please look out for future innovation challenges on our website and social media platforms! To date, we have held innovation challenges at the following destinations: Sishen • Cape Town • Mthatha • Wonderboom • Bloemfontein • Hoedspruit • Kimberley • Nelspruit • Pietermaritzburg • Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth) • East London • Polokwane • Johannesburg.

Over 35 Alumni studying at the following – University of Cape Town, University of Johannesburg, University of Western Cape, University of Free State, Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, University of Mpumalanga, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Nelson Mandela University, University of the Witwatersrand, North- West University, Rhode University, Stellenbosch University, University of Pretoria.

The past challenges are documented here: YouTube link: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCD3Y1RQWN8RJpfXRoxiirwQ

Refilwe Mlaudzi | THE LINK Coordinator | rmlaudzi@flyairlink.com | 011 451 7525