Aims To Encourage Graduates To Pursue Jobs In Aviation
Some 25 percent of all aviation employees are eligible to retire
this year, according to a recent industry study... so there's a
world of job opportunities, but potentially not enough young
graduates to fill these vital positions.
Twenty-four-year-old Jamail Larkins, Ambassador of Aviation
& Space Education for the Federal Aviation Administration, aims
to help meet this growing need for trained personnel in the
aviation industry by educating America's youth through a nationwide
DreamLaunch Tour.
Sponsored by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Larkins'
DreamLaunch Tour opens students' eyes to the myriad opportunities
available to those who dream big and work hard – whether it's
as a future pilot, aerospace engineer, air traffic controller, or
other rewarding aviation positions.
"The future of aviation is in the hands of young America," said
FAA acting administrator Bobby Sturgell. "Careers in aviation are
there by the thousands. Jamail's job is to open the door for
students and their teachers."
The DreamLaunch Tour officially launched last week in
Dallas-Fort Worth, at the 2008 DFW Airport Aviation &
Transportation Career Expo, where more than 4,000 students will
gather to explore opportunities available in aviation. Larkins
hosted the Expo as Grand Marshal.
"I'm fortunate that my career affords me the opportunity to
educate people about careers in the aviation industry and show them
that the opportunities are endless," said Larkins. "The DreamLaunch
Tour provides me with a platform to inspire people to follow their
dreams -- no matter what field they want to pursue -- aeronautics
or otherwise."
"Jamail brings his passion for flying and enthusiasm for
teaching to each and every tour stop, and it's contagious," said
Dr. John P. Johnson, Embry-Riddle's president. "This is our fifth
DreamLaunch Tour and the momentum keeps building, the schools keep
asking him to come back, and the children are mesmerized by his
determination and achievements at such a young age."
Larkins is currently sponsored by Embry-Riddle, AeroShell,
Cirrus, Bose, Michelin, and Jeppesen. The Tour will stop in
Oakland, CA on December 12 and 18 additional markets in 2009
including: Atlanta, Augusta, Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Fairfax
County, Newark, Houston, Miami, Newark, Pensacola, Phoenix,
Raleigh-Durham, San Diego, and Seattle.