July 28, 2017 // Aviation Works for You – Aviation Stakeholders Highlight Benefits of Careers Throughout Industry
OSHKOSH, Wis.—Today, at the 2017 EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, aircraft manufactures, airline pilots, aviation maintenance workers, dispatchers, and airport operators launched “Aviation Works for You,” a new campaign targeted at promoting the value of careers in aviation to today’s youth.
“The commercial aviation industry is a powerful economic driver, supporting over 10 million jobs. Aviation Works for You is an exciting opportunity to partner with aviation professionals from across the industry and raise awareness to the value and benefits of an aviation career. There is no better time to become a pilot and pursue a career in aviation, and we hope that by showcasing the work we do each day, more students will turn to aviation when exploring options for their future profession,” said Capt. Paul Ryder, Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) resources coordinator and founder of Aviation Works for You.
In addition to providing information and requirements necessary for various airline professions on aviationworks4you.org, Aviation Works for You representatives will participate in job fairs, career expos, and other events that provide students with a one-on-one opportunity to talk to aviation professionals and learn more about the careers.
“The Association of Flight Attendants [AFA] is proud to be a part of Aviation Works for You. The flight attendant job is certified by the Federal Aviation Administration, carrying significant responsibilities and respect,” said Taylor Garland, AFA spokesperson. “AFA made sure that this is a career option for anyone passionate about serving as one of aviation’s first responders. The flight attendant career opens the door to communities around the world, and experiences broaden personal character.”
“Since the September 11 attacks, and up until just a few years ago, aviation maintenance was suffering major cutbacks across the industry. Aviation maintenance schools were closing down due to the lack of people wanting to get into an aviation maintenance career. Times have changed. Due to increased profitability and the aging workforce in the aviation maintenance field, jobs are opening up and wages have increased dramatically. The amount of aviation technicians retiring is forecasted to continue to increase, providing more opportunity for those interested in a career in aviation maintenance. Now is the perfect time to enter the field of aviation maintenance. And if you have a background with computers, you are in a field that has even stronger growth, due to the advancement in avionics. Take a look at what is being offered—the sky’s the limit in aviation maintenance,” said Dave Supplee, International Association of Machinists, District 142 president.
“More than 13,000 certified controllers and controller trainees are currently working in the United States. They take incredible pride in their careers, keeping our national airspace system safe. They use their skills to handle 141 million total operations a year, for more than 70,000 flights a day, helping 900 million passengers reach their destinations safely a year. As air traffic continues to grow in the U.S., this is a great profession for anyone who can handle the awesome responsibility,” stated Trish Gilbert, executive vice president for the National Air Traffic Controllers Association.
“The Airline Dispatchers Federation is proud to partner with Aviation Works for You to advocate, encourage, and promote occupations available within our aviation industry that contributes to our US economy daily. All those young motivated professionals who are looking for a dynamic career and enjoy a challenge should check out the aircraft dispatcher profession.”
“The Experimental Aircraft Association [EAA] is excited to be a part of the Aviation Works for You efforts to increase awareness and participation in aviation careers. We believe that the Young Eagles program is a perfect complement to the efforts of the group, and hope that further developments of the program can help young people find an easier path to flight,” added Bret Steffen, EAA’s Director of Education.
Aviation Works for You is a collective group of aviation industry stakeholders who not only support but are a critical part of this $1.5 trillion U.S. economic engine, and are dedicated to promoting careers throughout our industry to ensure the availability of these unique careers for generations to come. Visit aviationworks4you.org for more information.
