Aviation Career Forum at the NW Aviation Conference | FEB 22

JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES

2019 NW AVIATION CAREER FORUM

Interested in a career in aviation? Want to fly planes? Would you like the opportunity to network with colleges, aviation facilities and airlines? These, and more, are just a few of the reasons hundreds of students, mechanics and career pilots attend the NW Aviation Career Forum, Friday FEB 22.

In 2019 the WAA is honored to once again host a day of sessions and exhibits dedicated to aviation careers. Along with airlines, businesses, colleges and government agencies, this event represents the cumulative efforts from all aspects of the industry. “As an aviation non-profit, we are concerned about our industry’s future,” said Jamelle Garcia, Executive Director of the Washington Aviation Association, “hosting this event is an opportunity for new aviators and experienced aviators, and provides resources to those who need to get to the next level.”

Southern Utah University discussed scholarship opportunities with students.

“There are alarming aviation workforce shortages,” Garcia continues, “we all need to be proactive in helping the new generation find paths to a career in aviation.” The six hours of presentations, divided into interest tracks, are led by panels of aviation operators and educators including airline, coast guard, WSP, float pilots, colleges faculty, training facilities and airports.

In 2018, the event brought together over 700 attendees from all over the nation. Attendance is not limited to students. Introductory sessions serve the needs of high school groups and parent/student registrations – concurrently seminar tracks serve all experience levels – maintenance, military and airline – all encouraging participation and mentorship.

This year the event welcomes back Mesa Airlines and Alaska Airlines, both supporting the event as Platinum Level Sponsors.

“We will continue to be a part of the event for years to come,” remarked John Hornibrook, chief pilot at Horizon Air. In 2019 Alaska and Horizon will have representatives participating in seminars and will once again be hosting ‘Meet & Greets’ to recruit pilots for both airlines.

All the airlines will be exhibiting at the Conference and Trade Show over the weekend as well. Most are accepting pilot and mechanic resumes and some will conduct preliminary interviews on site. We are very thankful for the continued support of our event moderators - Morgan Lawrence, Gordon Alvord, Johnny Summers, John Swedburg, Patrick Murphy and Seattlebased faculty at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. With their dedication and guidance theis event becomes better every year! Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and learn about expectations from the people who are actively employed or employing.

In 2019 the event is pleased to welcome the participation of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the Pacific Northwest Business Aviation Association (PNBAA). The business aviation community consists of companies of all sizes that rely on many different types of aircraft – from single-pilot airplanes, to turbine aircraft that fly internationally, to helicopters that survey rush-hour traffic – and the fixed-base operations and many other services that support flight operations at the nation’s 5,000 public-use airports. The vast majority of businesses in this community – 97 percent – are small- to midsize businesses and other entities including nonprofit organizations. Through a partnership with the NBAA and PNBAA along with support from Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and Mesa Airlines, the 2019 event is delighted to offer $26 (cost only) scholarships to attend the event for high school and college students. The discount registration can be accessed by youth chaperones as well. The online link can be found at: washington-aviation.org/scholarship.

The Career Forum will be hosted Friday, February 22, the day preceding the NW Aviation Conference (8:30 AM -3:00 PM) at the Washington State Fair & Events Center, Puyallup, WA. Cost is $45/person ($26 students) and includes lunch and admission to Saturday and Sunday’s Conference. Parking is free. For information call 360-427-5599 or visit washington-aviation.org/forumcareer.html to register.

PRE-REGISTRATION NECESSARY. For information or to register call 360-427- 5599 or visit washington-aviation.org. Student discount $26/person.