Career Connections: Hands on experience teaches local youth about careers in aviation industry
MIAMI (July 19 2018)
Pan Am International Flight Academy has partnered with Florida International University and the Talent Development Network to provide high school students with an insider look into a career in the aviation industry. More than 65 students from local high schools such as Miami Northwestern Senior High School, Booker T. Washington High School, and Miami Edison High School got a real live look at promising careers in aviation as part of an immersive career day at Pan Am.
The students learned how to be a pilot through an immersive simulator demonstration; received flight attendant training through a hands-on personnel and equipment walk-through; and were able to direct air traffic in Pan Am’s globally recognized, top of the line, air traffic control center. In addition, the students heard from veteran pilots and trainers who were able to give them insight into what a career in a high growth industry like aviation would look like.
Aviation is considered one for the most rapidly growing industries. It is estimated that by 2036, more than 630,000 new airline pilots will be needed, 648,000 air service technicians will be needed, and more than 839,000 members of the cabin crew will be needed.
“At Pan Am we are dedicated to the development of the next generation of aviation professionals and hope we can find many within the youth in our community,” said Mark Johnson, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Pan Am International Flight Academy. “By providing students with these opportunities we are exposing them to a promising career that is experiencing tremendous growth and offers a wide range of opportunities. We have high hopes for our students and will continue to work alongside community partners like FIU for the betterment of our community at all of our company locations.”
The immersive career field trip is part of the Career Pathways Program, is an intensive career readiness and paid internship program focused on building middle skills to help students succeed beyond high school graduation and become contributing members of society.
As part of the program the students have also been participating in rigorous, 6-week summer internships, working 20 hours per-week with different corporations and across different fields in Miami-Dade County.
A collaboration between FIU”s Education Effect and the Talent Development Network the program is designed to prepare and align talent with Miami Dade County’s economic development strategy and seven targeted industries, such as aviation.
“Our objective is to provide the young people we service with experiences and encouragement that will allow them to successfully transition to the workforce,” said James Knapp, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at FIU’s Office of Engagement. “We are thankful to partners like Pan Am International Flight Academy that provide our students with hands on experiences that will inspire them to pursue jobs in high growth careers.”
