Group Finds Scholarships, Support For Those In Pursuit Of
Aero-Careers
by ANN Correspondent Maxine Scheer
As part of our extensive coverage at AirVenture 2007, Aero-News
spoke with industry leaders about what is being done to address to
issue of the workforce crisis in the aviation industry... and the
shortage of students pursuing careers in aviation.
Aptly named, there is an organization called "Careers in
Aviation, Inc." Formed in 2000, their mission is advancing
aerospace education and employment by fostering scholarships,
connecting students with these scholarships, and encouraging
collaboration amongst the multitude of government agencies, trade
and professional organizations, and educational communities that
support aviation education programs.
Careers in Aviation is guided by a Board of Directors and an
Advisory Board comprised of Presidents, CEOs and other leaders from
the industry, most of whom are pilots and active in industry
efforts fostering innovation and attracting talent into the
industry. In 2004, Careers in Aviation was a sponsor of the
DreamLaunch Tour, a national tour which has reached 160 Schools,
and 65,000 students. Careers in Aviation, Inc., is now in the
process of transitioning from an organization that sponsors
education and promotional programs to an organization that educates
and links resources directly with prospective students.
Recognizing that a volunteer organization has limits, in January
2007, the Board appointed an Executive Director, Judy Rice, to
assist with developing and implementing a five-year plan. Judy has
over 20 years experience working in the education and philanthropic
arena. She is also an instrument rated pilot.
Rice notes there is a significant gap between prospective
students and the resources which are available to support the
pursuit of a career in aviation -- resources which include not only
scholarships, but the mentoring and relationships which inspire
students to make a commitment and take actions necessary to secure
education and training. Judy notes that it is surprising, but many
well meaning industry organizations get a fairly low response to
scholarships and that much more can be done to let students know
that the aviation industry has resources to support their
education.
Judy describes Careers in
Aviation as "a benevolent, non-profit organization that builds
partnerships to provide students with career and financial-aid
information; as well as a conduit for supporters to endow aviation
scholarships." She believes that collaborating with other
organizations is a critical success factor, "Only through our
combined comment towards inspiring the next generation of dreamers
will we succeed in growing our future aerospace workforce."
Those involved with Careers in Aviation, Inc. see themselves as
playing a unique role, functioning as a foundation that serves as a
conduit between the individuals and the resources. Initially the
major push of information will focus on prospective high-school and
college freshman and will eventually reach into the middle school
and possibly elementary school levels.
Careers in Aviation plans on using a multi-media approach to
outreach, by maintaining a website and reaching out via
conferences, seminars and workshops to promote opportunities in
aviation. They also have a database, accessible online, to serve as
a scholarship portal and link to other aviation resources. Based on
research into industry needs, Careers in Aviation, Inc., has
specifically targeted five disciplines which are projecting
long-term shortages of qualified workers that include Pilots, Air
Traffic Controllers, Aeronautical Engineers, Aviation and Business
Managers, and Aviation Electronics Technicians.
If you have an interest in learning more, please contact Judy at
jrice@careersinaviation.org
or 386-586-6574.