DEMAND for places on Scotland's only full-time cabin crew training programme is sky high.

With more than 400 on the waiting list, would-be flight attendants are queuing up to join the City and Guilds Diploma in Air Cabin Crew.

The course, which is taught at City of Glasgow College, has space for just 24 students.

Lead tutor Audrey King-horn, who served as a cabin crew professional for 27 years, said: "The students have been coached in a wide and varied range of skills that will help them excel in their role as cabin crew on an airline.

"We had 400 on our waiting list when we started the course a year-and-a-half ago.

"We are the only college in Scotland to offer a full-time course in cabin crew training and there's a lot of demand."

Students on the course have the opportunity to train in the college's simulated aircraft cabin.

They also engage with peers enrolled on other City of Glasgow College courses to learn extra skills and expertise.

Each student is advised on hair styling techniques by hair and beauty students, champagne pouring by those in hospitality and canapé service by trainee chefs.

They also undertake 12 weeks of language lessons in each of French, German, and Spanish.

Gail Morrison, head of the college's tourism department, said: "This one-year full-time course is the first of its kind in Scotland and successful students achieve a City and Guilds Diploma in Air Cabin Crew.

"Employment opportunities are growing in the airline and airport sectors, however the recruitment process is rigor-ous and highly-competitive and successful candidates require the essential skills, qualities and attitude.

"This course addresses these needs."

The college is equipped with a mock airline cabin and purpose-built airline check-in desks, dubbed CityAir.

Students also undertake confidence-building skills, citizenship skills, language skills and research skills.

And they must pass a life-saving assessment in a local pool, PA safety announce-ments and fire drill activities.

They also spend the time on the course dressed in uniform.

Ms Kinghorn added: "Our students are keen to work for the big international airlines and travel the world.

"They are fascinated by aviation and watch all the reality television programmes on airlines and airports.

"They still perceive it as a fun and glamorous way to earn your living.

"It's an industry that's still in expansion, so the chance of getting employment is quite high if you are prepared to move away from Scotland.

"There are only seasonal jobs available in Scotland, so many cabin crew have to move to Manchester or one of the London airports for permanent employment."

Among those set to graduate this summer is former Bellahouston Academy pupil Chloe Cassidy.

Chloe, from Penilee, said: "I would love to become an air hostess because I have always been in love with the idea of flying with an airline and being able to travel the world.

"From being at my course at City of Glasgow College, I have learned how to be more confident in myself and I have learned about all the more important things behind the glamour of the job."

Abbie Louise Livingston, a former St Paul's RC High School pupil from Pollok, also began the course last summer.

She added: "I would love to become an air cabin crew professional because of the amazing opportunities the job would offer.

"I have friends and family who work for airlines already and they say it is the best career you could ever have.

"Travelling the world is a great interest of mine and doing this as part of your job would be wonderful.

"During the course at City of Glasgow College, I have met many great people who I get on with well because we all have the same things in common.

"Being part of this course has definitely boosted my confidence."

catriona.stewart@eveningtimes.co.uk