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.

FMI: www.careersinaviation.org