Ballina Byron Gateway Airport recently hosted a Careers Expo day for 17 local high school students.
The Aviation Careers Expo was a joint effort of the NSW Department of Education and Ballina Byron Gateway Airport.
Students from locals schools in Alstonville, Wollumbin, Mullumbimby and Ballina were treated to a wide ranging showcase of aviation industry career roles.
They were able to meet and listen to industry professionals and took part in some practical aviation demonstrations.
The Expo was the brainchild of Vanessa Perrin, Careers Advisor at Mullumbimby High School, who saw her idea come to fruition (after 12 months planning), despite the challenges of COVID-19.
‘The day exceeded all my expectations and gave a truly inside perspective of the aviation industry. It highlighted a range of jobs, many of which aren’t well known. The kids loved it all, especially the bus ride down the runway,’ said Ms Perrin.
The Aviation Careers Expo aligns to the initiatives and objectives of the Educational Pathways Pilot Program, which supports young people’s access to targeted industry specific career advice, workplace learning experiences and Vocational and Education Training pathways.
Airport Manager, Julie Stewart, applauded the initiative as a great success.
She said, ‘It was inspiring to witness today’s youth engaged with our industry, and we look forward to seeing many of the Careers Expo participants forge their future pathways.
‘The Ballina Byron Gateway Airport is fully supportive of these events and hope to host many more in years to come,’ said Ms Stewart
The Aviation Careers Expo day was run in conjunction with a number of aviation industry partners including the Australian Defence Force, Avisure, White Star Aviation, Oceania Aviation, Airservices Australia Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service (with firefighters and trucks from Ballina Byron Gateway Airport station), Landrum and Brown and TAFE Northern Rivers.