A group of Vermont students got the opportunity to let their aspirations soar on Wednesday during an event to promote bringing more women into the field of aviation.
Sept. 20 was International Girls in Aviation Day, and in the days following, organizations around the world hosted events to get girls involved in the field. Heritage Aviation, a commercial aviation company based in South Burlington, held their own event for local students.
On Wednesday, Heritage hosted its Girls in Aviation event. The event introduced girls from Saint Alban’s City School to careers in the field.
On the tour, the students shadowed aircraft mechanics, safety staff, and air traffic controllers. Heritage employees said they wanted to show the full range of career possibilities for these young students.
“Role models are extremely important for youth. When young women and young girls get to see an older, female figure in a role that they previously had not imagined, they have the opportunity to engage and chat with them. It helps them see all sorts of possibilities,” explained Janine Iannarelli, a Heritage Aviation board of directors member.
Kyle Long, director of aircraft maintenance with Heritage, said that having the students there could help inspire the next generation, in a field that desperately needs more people.
“The aviation industry as a whole is struggling with shortages of people who are interested. [And we need interest because] it’s such a passion industry. Aviation is something that you want to have to love and want to do, and [we want to] integrate that passion, spark their interest early,” said Long.
With increasing advancement in technology, Heritage said events like this are becoming more important. They said they want girls from all places and backgrounds to know that they can play a part in the future of aviation.
https://www.mynbc5.com/article/girls-in-aviation-students-careers-aviation/68041735
