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IAM Air Transport Territory staff participated in a “Girls in Aviation” event at the Aviation Career and Technical Education High School in Long Island, N.Y. The event aimed to showcase the wide range of career opportunities available in the aviation industry. It included a panel discussion, a keynote speaker, workshops, and a career expo in the cafeteria for girls and boys of all ages.
The IAM Air Transport team consisted of IAM Air Transport Grand Lodge Representative Gary Naylor, Jr. and IAM Air Transport Associate Organizer Rachel Arnold, who engaged with students to discuss the importance of unions in the air transport field.
The event was a great chance to showcase the current state of aviation and to provide information about how students can participate and advance their careers in the field. The presence of IAM offered a firsthand look at the advantages of workers joining unions and the benefits that come with it.
“These efforts present a valuable opportunity to shape students’ perception of the labor movement as they prepare to join the workforce,” said IAM Air Transport Territory General Vice President Richie Johnsen. “The IAM is proud to engage with students, helping them make informed decisions about their future and educating them about their rights as workers.”
“It is crucial to inform students about the wide range of career options available that do not necessarily require a college degree, such as a career in the aviation industry, and most importantly, a union job,” said IAM Air Transport Territory Chief of Staff Edison Fraser. “By having discussions with young workers early on in their careers, we can help lay the groundwork for becoming an active participant in union activism.”
There were some attendees from nearby schools in addition to the local students. They felt that the presence of the union was a valuable experience as they believed that labor unions have a lot to offer to the younger generations and the working class.
“This is a great way for people to get to know the IAM and what we do and to show what we can do and offer before people enter the workforce, said Naylor.
The IAM has had a long-standing partnership with Aviation High School to provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills to succeed in the aviation industry. As part of their efforts to advance students’ careers, the IAM recently awarded scholarships and toolboxes to young students for their academic achievements.
