–during GCAA secondary-school outreach

SOME 320 secondary school students from different parts of the country were exposed to a recent presentation on careers in aviation.

According to a press release, the Civil Aviation Training School (CATS), the training school of the Guyana Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), embarked on a mission to educate students in grades 11 and 12, (Forms Four and Five) about aviation related careers.

This education campaign was done during the period June 26 to July 5, 2023. The schools that benefitted included Covent Garden Secondary, Camile’s Academy Inc., Diamond Secondary, Northwest Secondary, Port Kaituma Secondary, and St. Ignatius Secondary. The programme was done in partnership with the Ministry of Education.

The the quest to increase the interest in aviation related careers is fuelled largely by the growing opportunities in the aviation industry, which is facing shortages of pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers, and other key personnel due to retirements, resignations.

The outreach is anticipated to create more interest in aviation among girls and serve as a catalyst for them to seek opportunities available within the sector.

The students gained a better understanding of piloting an aircraft and directing traffic in the skies.

“It is the hope of the Director General, Lt. Col. (ret’d) Egbert Field, A.A. that in the years ahead, these 11th and 12th graders will take an interest in aviation and learn the principles of flying, approach and area control, take-offs and landings and other concepts in aviation,” the GCAA said.

The outreach is part of the “NextGen initiative” to generate more interest in aviation among the younger generation.