Benjie Barodi
Ben Barodi is one of the amazing instructors of PTC Aviation. Get to know him more in this post.
What inspired you to pursue a career in aviation, and how did your journey begin?
My degree in tourism inspired me to become a flight attendant. What better way to really be in the tourism industry but ot be in the travel industry. I didn’t picture myself as a flight attendant. I originally wanted to become a medical doctor or a chef. But I quickly realized that I didn’t have the stomach for broken bones and slicing flesh in a way (hahaha) so I decided to pursue a career for aviation as a flight attendant.
My journey officially began with my first airline, Cebu Pacific. It was an incredible training ground where I learned a lot about safety, service, and who I am as a professional. Cebu Pacific was my first love!
What makes PTC Aviation’s training approach different from other flight attendant schools?
What makes it different is that we (instructors) all come from different airlines. We share one element, which is being a true-blooded cabin crew. Our individual strengths lie in our diversity. We have vast knowledge and not only that, a wide array of long-cherished experiences. From the informative, scariest, or funniest and memorable years of experience, we hone and give students and professionals the edge to ace their applications for being a flight attendant or other hospitality-related jobs. True enough, we have already produced so many flight attendants from all across the globe due to our training in PTC Aviation. And we couldn’t be prouder of them!
How does hands-on training, like the Airbus 320 cabin trainer, help students become industry-ready?
We equip them with a more advanced approach to surviving airline training. The Airbus 320 cabin trainer that we have in PTC Aviation is a top-notch simulator that gives students the basics of door operation and its use for emergency or non-emergency situations. We move them past the learning curve early; they just don’t survive the 2-3 months training period- they excel in it.
What are the most important qualities aspiring cabin crew should develop early on?
The most important qualities for aspiring cabin crew are humility and grit. These skills will definitely bring you a long way in the industry. These traits truly define a professional cabin crew member. Humility keeps you grounded and ready to serve, while patience is your grit tool when managing long flights and diverse passenger needs. We have a saying in PTC Aviation: Remember to always eat your humble pie wherever you go! 🙂
From Cebu Pacific, Ben transferred to Philippine Airlines.
How do you help students build confidence during their training?
Confidence is built by having self-acceptance and professional refinement. We train them in identifying their unique attributes and layer on intensive grooming and personality development. We build their confidence by letting them acknowledge their imperfections first (cognitive/physical), we give them personality development and grooming that gives them the PTC Aviation EDGE to look and feel like a flight attendant.
Can you share a memorable moment where you saw a student transform during the program?
There was one student who approached me and personally thanked me that he had been inspired by my story when I shared my experience as a flight attendant and how he learned a lot about how to serve wine from me being a sommelier. I was able to share the basics of wine service. It was a surreal moment wherein I saw him build that confidence that he too can achieve and not be intimidated in applying. At PTC Aviation, we don’t just teach protocols; we give them the EDGE to stand out in their interviews.
Seeing our graduates get hired by different airlines is exactly the reason why I do what I do.
What are some common challenges students face, and how do you guide them through it?
One of the primary challenges students face is the sheer volume of technical information required in aviation. Within a 15-day intensive program, it is impossible to cover every complexity, so our approach is two-fold: we master the essential technical basics while deeply integrating core values from day one. We guide them and make sure values are integrated from their first day up to their last day. This is to keep them grounded all the time.
How does PTC Aviation prepare students for real airline interviews and assessments?
At PTC Aviation, we give them the relevant and up-to-date questions. More of situational interviews, not only about themselves, but also questions where they are tested on how quickly they respond but still show their unique personalities, which airlines are looking for.
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to pursue flight attendant training?
You will never know your capabilities if you dont push yourself further. Growth starts at the end of your comfort zone, and always eat your humble pie!
In your experience, how does proper training impact a student’s success in the aviation industry?
Proper training is vital to their success. We equip students not only with technical skills but also with very important soft skills.
Grit and humility can take them very far. With proper training, the highest standards are always in place.
