The Van Nuys Airport hosted more than 1,200 high school students from California’s San Fernando Valley for a career day event in which many of the airport’s largest tenants opened their doors to the visitors to spotlight aviation career opportunities.
“The Sky’s the Limit: Aviation Career Day” marked the eleventh year of school visits to Van Nuys Airport, which is one of three airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a branch of the city of Los Angeles. The April 1 event was hosted by the airport, MP Aero, Los Angeles City Councilmember Nury Martinez (D-Council District 6), and The Valley Economic Alliance.
The airport’s Facebook page highlighted how the students took part in interactive exhibits and viewed aircraft displays including an EA-18 Growler, the nonprofit Condor Squadron’s AT-6, and the Los Angeles Fire Department’s Air Rescue Unit. The students visited the facilities of airport tenants including Clay Lacy Aviation, Signature Flight Support, Western Jet, and the North Valley Occupational Center, said a LAWA news release.
“This event is inspiring. It makes us realize we can really make connections and get new blood to fuel the future of the aviation community,” said Moses Robles, 17, a student at Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School.
Officials emphasized the event’s importance to the future of area youth and their communities.
“In order for the U.S. to continue being a global leader, we must connect our communities to resources and opportunities in key industries such as the aviation and aerospace field. By encouraging our young generations to seek a career in such fields, we are, in turn, building a framework of innovative professionals that will drive our country forward to a better future,” said U.S. Rep. Tony Cardenas (D-California District 29).
Martinez added that the event “shows students that there is a wide array of aviation related careers for them to explore. I will do whatever I can to give kids good career options and an avenue to pursue their dreams.”
Van Nuys Airport had more than 217,000 operations in 2015, and has more than 100 businesses based at the 730-acre airport. The airport contributes approximately $1.3 billion to the Southern California economy and supports more than 12,000 jobs, LAWA said.
