Manassas Regional Airport held its inaugural Aviation Career Fair on Monday, October 17. The event attracted approximately 500 students with 13 middle and high schools represented from Manassas City, Manassas Park and Prince William County schools.
The day served as the first opportunity for many to be introduced to the wide variety of careers in aviation. Approximately 30 exhibitors were present from across the Commonwealth with professionals on site to share their experiences with students. Some exhibitors included the Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), the Civil Air Patrol, Customs and Border Protection, PHI Air Medical, TSA, United Airlines, and Women in Aviation.
“We wanted to show students that there are so many aviation careers beyond being a pilot or air traffic controller,” Senior Airport Operations Director Jolene Berry said. “We wanted to introduce students to aviation careers that required a trade or having a college education. The goal for this Aviation Career Fair was to introduce students to various aviation careers with the hopes that they may go into the aviation industry. We wanted to get young people excited about aviation!”
The Virginia Department of Aviation was on hand at the career fair showcasing its ICON A5 light sport amphibious aircraft. Students were able to sit in the aircraft and operate the controls while members of the Public Relations and Education team talked with the youth about how airplanes fly. Staff members Betty Wilson and David Halstead spoke with the students about what their careers entail and the many job opportunities in aviation.
The Manassas Regional Airport Aviation Career Fair stirred up excitement from students, many of whom didn’t realize there were so many possibilities available in aviation. With the event deemed a success, plans are already underway to hold a similar career fair at the airport in 2023.
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