The IAM recently participated in Girls in Aviation (GIA) Day hosted by the Women in Aviation Chapter at Aviation High School in Long Island, NY. This year’s theme was Welcome to the World of Aviation.
The event brought unions, employers, student groups, resources, and other aligned affiliations to Aviation High School to help and support women, black and brown people, and other underrepresented groups within the male-dominated aviation industry.
The students were able to participate in a school tour and were able to speak to aviation professionals one-on-one.
IAM Associate Nicole Fears and District 141 Organizer Rachel Arnold represented the IAM at the GIA Day. Fears and Arnold provided encouragement, inspiration, and support to the students as they pursue careers in the aviation industry. They also focused on the importance of unions in the aviation industry. A strong emphasis was placed on why diversity matters in the workplace.
“I appreciate Nicole and Rachel sharing their experiences within the airline industry and our union,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “We have a strong relationship with Aviation High School, so events that help inspire more women to create a path to their aviation career are fully supported by the IAM.
The IAM has enjoyed a long partnership with Aviation High School and SUNY Empire State College (ESC). The partnership was recently developed with the help and support of the IAM, the United Federation of Teachers, and the American Federation of Teachers.
“Our relationship with Aviation High School means a lot to me personally,” said IAM Air Transport Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “These programs create equal opportunities for individuals to have careers in the airline industry. The IAM looks forward to growing this partnership, and we will continue to invest in the future generation of aviation workers.”
Aviation High School recently held its annual graduation ceremony, the first in-person event since the pandemic. Approximately 480 students received their high school diploma, with many earning their Airframe and Powerplant licenses certifying them to work as mechanics in the airline industry.
READ: IAM Awards Scholarships at Aviation High School Graduation
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