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As part of an IAM Air Transport Territory partnership, 30 students from Aviation High School in Queens, N.Y., recently visited the William W. Winpisinger Education and Technology Center for a three-day program on aviation, the importance of unions, and the U.S. transportation industry.
On Tuesday, the students, accompanied by IAM Instructors and Representatives, visited the National Air and Space Museum in Chantilly, Va., to see historical pieces of aviation history.
“I couldn’t be more proud of these 30 students and the hard work they have been putting into becoming licensed AP mechanics,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen.
During the busy three days, the students participated in classroom instruction, which included discussions with representatives from the National Mediation Board and learning about union representation. Several IAM Departments also gave presentations to the students. Other topics included presentations on why politics matter, the responsibilities of having an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license, and the human factors of aircraft maintenance.
The students also heard a presentation from American Airlines Line Maintenance Vice President Evita Garces. During the presentation, students were tasked with troubleshooting an electronic circuit board and correcting the problem in 10 minutes. All five teams succeeded in the test.
“There is no better time than now for high school students to learn about unions and how we fight to protect the rights of workers,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “This is a time when we have the President of the United States not afraid to say the word union.”
The students toured the IAM’s International Headquarters in Upper Marlboro, Md., on the third day. They could see the vast resources and support the IAM gives its membership by visiting and speaking with staff and department heads.
“Thank you to all for participating with your good work and coming to learn about the IAM,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Airline Coordinator Tom Regan.
The students were then presented with certificates from completing the course.
