In 2023, Hactl introduced its Elite Management Trainee Programme, with the aim of nurturing young talents to become future leaders. The comprehensive three-year programme fast-tracks candidates into management by means of job rotation across various departments such as Operations, Commercial and Business Development, Information Services and Engineering and Facilities Services.
The Programme received more than 500 applicants; but, of all these hopefuls, only six made it through the rigorous selection process. In this issue of Hactlink, we’ve invited three of them – Seth, Timothy and Tamara – to share how the programme is enabling them to reach for their dreams.
“You must constantly push yourself to be better, and challenge yourself to keep going.
- Seth Cheung”
Gaining practical experience
Seth Cheung is no stranger to Hactl. While studying at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, he worked as an intern here. After graduation, he joined the Operations Trainee Programme, where he was given many opportunities to participate in different projects within the company. He then decided to apply for the Elite Management Trainee Programme to further his career, and succeeded in gaining a place.
Seth was assigned to the Hactl Upstream Terminal project in Dongguan, which was opened to interface with the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park. As a project coordinator, Seth was involved in the establishment, operations and coordination tasks assigned by his manager. “This project gave me a great sense of accomplishment, as I realised I had the potential and ability to manage large-scale projects in the future,” Seth says.
In his original role as an Operations Trainee, Seth had been involved in various tasks such as cargo handling, and working with different freighter types; but, comparing the two trainee programmes, he felt the Elite Management Trainee Programme was more intensive and comprehensive. Given his history with the company, his manager had high hopes and expectations of him. “You must constantly push yourself to be better, and challenge yourself to keep going,” Seth adds.
Having gained considerable practical frontline experience in just a few months, Seth reached the conclusion that it was never easy working in air cargo, where operations are round-the-clock. “I remember when I was working alongside my supervisor on the ramp for two weeks; we were constantly driving the tractor between the aircraft for loading, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. But what impressed me most was the exceptional teamwork – everyone strives to complete the loading on time, and we work together like brothers.”
Seth currently works on the Terminal Services team in the Operations Department. He has suggested to management that AI technology should be used to streamline the workflow and so improve operational efficiency.
“One of them asked me how they could join Hactl when they grew up. This moment deeply touched me, as it made me realise how my work could truly impact other people’s lives. - Tamara Wat”
Well-defined career ladder
After graduating from The University of Hong Kong, Tamara Wat started her own business – an online platform offering career consultation and matching services to graduates. Along the way, Tamara embraced the challenges of leadership and continuously honed her management skills. She joined Hactl because the Elite Management Trainee Programme offers a well-defined career path and fast-track opportunities, so she can gain practical experience in the air cargo industry, which she believes is a cornerstone of Hong Kong’s future development that will drive her career to new heights.
Tamara initially learned about the daily procedures in the Operations Department. She’s currently working in Ground Services, taking care of cargo loading on the ramp and crew transportation. Says Tamara: “Besides hands-on work, I consider myself an observer – I make suggestions to my manager whenever I have ideas that might streamline and enhance the operational workflow.” Since ramp operations are generally more physically demanding, Tamara is eager to think of other ways to lighten their workload and contribute to the team.
Continues Tamara: “Ramp operations requires cross-team collaboration; for example, a driver has to know when to pick up the aircraft flight crew, and the different documents that are required.” Tamara suggested digitising this process to enhance efficiency.
She shares a heartwarming anecdote about her most fulfilling experience since joining the Trainee Programme. “I once took care of a group of high school students on behalf of Hactl. They were already very tired that day but, during the terminal tour, one of them asked me how they could join Hactl when they grew up. This moment deeply touched me, as it made me realise how my work could truly impact other people’s lives.”
“Hactl has more than 2,000 employees, each with their own unique ideas. My goal is to bring these ideas together and formulate good solutions. - Timothy Siu ”
Developing communication skills
Timothy Siu was a Marketing major at the City University of Hong Kong, so was completely new to air cargo. He explains: “I find the air cargo industry unique and very interesting. When I learned that Hactl has a management trainee programme with comprehensive training and well-defined career paths, I wasted no time in submitting my application.”
Timothy is currently working on the Ground Services team in the Operations Department, to gain first-hand experience of import and export handling procedures. Although his role is more frontline in nature, Timothy finds this experience invaluable, widening his horizon and helping lay a solid foundation for formulating effective management strategies in the future. “Ramp operations can be challenging, as you have to make decisions on the spot to cope with the ever-changing situation. It is crucial to have someone to bridge the gap between management and frontline staff, so information can be communicated in a timely manner,” says Timothy.
He adds that working alongside experienced frontline staff enables him to pick up lots of practical knowledge and skills, and they are always ready to provide valuable guidance. “What I’ve learned in the past few months is how to communicate with different people.” Timothy was also given the opportunity to meet with airline customers from all over the world, so he could observe and learn about how international business operates. His soft skills gained from college, like communication and presentation, also come in handy.
Timothy hopes his experiences will be useful when he assumes managerial positions in the future. “Hactl has more than 2,000 employees, each with their own unique ideas. My goal is to bring these ideas together and formulate good solutions,” says Timothy.
Friendly work environment
During the programme, Executive Directors are assigned as mentors for each trainee, to pass on their expertise and perspectives – not just on professional career development, but also personal growth. “My mentor and I feel like we’re long-standing friends. Sometimes we’ll just chat about our daily lives, like his children or how I spent my time over the weekend … just random small talk really,” says Tamara. “He’s more like a life coach to me – he’ll also give me invaluable advice from a management perspective on areas like budget estimation and project execution after I submitted my business proposal.”
The trio agrees that Hactl feels like a big family. “People might think there would be fierce competition among the trainees, but in fact we have each others’ backs and work as a team,” says Seth. Tamara adds: “Our friendships blossom as we work together to overcome challenges, and we also have lunch together whenever possible – we’re a close-knit group.” Timothy says that one of the highlights of his journey as a trainee has been meeting a group of like-minded people: “Apart from the other trainees, I also got the chance to build a rapport with many colleagues from different departments. It has been a truly rewarding experience!”