IT Graduate Trainee Programme

About the Programme

Over the course of two years, IT Trainees will have the chance to work with the latest technologies and contribute to major projects that make a visible impact on airline operations and on the quality experience that we deliver to customers. The programme is designed for candidates with a passion for technology and aviation and offers an unparalleled start to a fulfilling career in information technology.

Programme details

A well-rounded learning experience that includes training and rotations through a wide range of IT disciplines such as business analysis, systems analysis, infrastructure analysis, service management and project management. The programme will enable you to explore where your strengths and interests lie. You will build valuable connections and networks as you interact with some of the brightest minds in the business. The broad professional skill set you gained will set you up for a long-lasting and successful career at Cathay Pacific.

Depending on your assigned rotations, you may have the opportunity to:

• Work on technologies in e-commerce, business intelligence, security, customer relationship management and enterprise resource management
• Participate in business analysis, system analysis, application design and development for IT projects in the areas of Service Delivery, Sales & Marketing, Enterprise, Engineering, Flight Operations and Cargo
• Work collaboratively with multiple teams on Waterfall and Agile projects
• Apply software development best practices, standards, frameworks, governances and knowledge areas including vendor management and quality management for application developments
• Participate in infrastructure engineering in areas of telecommunications, workplace, middleware, database and hosting
• Work in our IT Service Centre and other service management areas to support and manage the seamless operations and infrastructure of the airline.

From the very first rotation, you will be heavily supported via on-the-job training, performance management processes and one-on-one mentorship by our senior IT managers. You will also receive on-going opportunities to build networks throughout the business, interact with senior managers and collaborate with IT specialists from many disciplines.

Career development

Upon successful completion of the programme, you will be qualified as an IT specialist and take on a permanent role within our Application Solutions or Infrastructure and Operations teams. Roles include solution analyst, project manager, solution architect, infrastructure engineer or IT centre analyst.  We will endeavour to place you in an area that aligns with your interests.

Your development will be managed via our corporate Performance and Development Management process. You will also benefit from the direction of our IT Practice Management Group, which caters for technical training needs and facilitates communities of practice groups, where technical professionals support each other in building best-in-class practices in all IT streams.

Entry requirements

The following will be essential for entry into the programme:

• Right of abode in Hong Kong
• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent education qualifications) in IT or Engineering disciplines, or any related discipline that demonstrates your exposure to technology
• Strong academic results
• Business acumen and excellent analytical skills
• Strong problem-solving and influencing skills
• High learning agility, good initiator and passion to succeed
• Adaptable to cope with a dynamic, diversified and multi-cultural working environment
• Team player and able to work independently and cross-functionally
• Excellent English verbal and written communication and presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical concepts to a non-technical audience
• Fluency in Cantonese and Mandarin is preferred but not required.

Application for 2018 IT Graduate Trainee Programme is now closed.

Swire Management Trainee Programme

We have an unwavering commitment to growing and nurturing business leaders of the future through the Management Trainee Programme, which has been in operation since 1968. It offers an opportunity for you to gain valuable hands-on exposure to airline operations in Hong Kong and overseas as well as close support and mentorship from Cathay Pacific Directors.

Our high performing Management Trainees are given the chance to fast track their careers to management positions across a broad range of business areas.

About the programme

The programme is managed by John Swire & Sons (HK), who own various companies globally, including the Cathay Pacific Group. Swire selects the best new graduate talent through a central recruitment process and the successful applicants to various Swire Group companies. During the programme, the Management Trainees will develop invaluable skills and experience for a career in the airline industry.

Your career path

The first three months

You will undergo an intensive induction programme covering the principles of management and a general orientation of the airline business. This will include:

• Classes in finance, airline operations and information management
• Management workshops in leadership, teamwork and managing change
• Familiarisation visits to all areas of our Swire Group operations
• Experience sharing with managers and staff
• Briefings from senior management on business strategy
• Computerised airline business simulation model
• Group projects

Three-year development programme

Following the induction, you will embark on a three-year development programme that offers a taste of various parts of our business in and out of Hong Kong, as well as a deeper understanding of our key operations. You will be assigned to each of the following areas for one year, typically as an Assistant to the General Manager:

• Commercial - Marketing, Inflight Services, Airline Planning, Revenue Management
• Corporate - Information Technology, People, Financial Services
• International ports - A posting to an overseas office as the Assistant to the Country Manager or Regional General Manager

The knowledge you gain will be indispensable as you advance to senior positions within the Group, whether it is with Cathay Pacific or Cathay Dragon.

After three years

After completing the three-year development programme, you will continue to fast track your path towards general management with rotations every 2-3 years within Hong Kong, China or other global locations around the world.

Here are some example roles where your trainee programme can take you:

Years 4-6

• Port Manager Nanjing
• Port Manager Penang
• Country Manager Nepal
• Assistant Manager Customer Experience
• Market Development and Air Partnership Manager
• Cargo Sales Manager

Years 6-12

• Revenue Manager
• LEAN Programme Manager
• Customer Insights Manager
• Head of Strategic Engagement
• Marketing & Sales Manager, Japan
• Country Manager, Korea

Years 12+

• Area Head Taiwan
• Regional General Manager
• Chief Operating Officer, Asiamiles
• General Manager, International Affairs
• Head of HKG and PRD Sales
• Head of Customer Loyalty

Entry requirements

To be considered for a place in the programme, you will need to have:

• A recognised university degree in any discipline 
• Right of abode in Hong Kong or PRC citizenship 
• An excellent command of written and spoken Chinese and English, with a minimum of HKDSE 5 or equivalent 
• Have not worked in a full-time capacity for more than three years 
• A willingness to be relocated to Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and other countries for long or short-term assignments 

Click here to find out more!