FeedsFlying high
Expo offers look at aviation careers
Anyone interested in ‘soaring’ to new heights is invited to join the Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology in Belleville for the second aviation expo.
The free event will take place from noon to 7 p.m. on May 1 to offer more than 80 vendors, aviation organizations, school program information and military branches.
Amy Kienast, director of career services for the institute, said the expo will offer opportunities for people to explore aviation careers and make it affordable to them, as well.
“We’re looking for all types of candidates. Contrary to some companies who are having trouble, there is a huge need for candidates and employees,” she said. “We’ve also extended the hours so people can come after work or school.”
According to school officials, the Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology has been producing graduates and setting the standard for aviation technology training for almost 40 years. The result, they said, is some of the finest technicians and dispatchers working in the industry today.
“Aviation maintenance technicians and dispatchers are in high demand,” said Kevin Burchett, director of the school. “Job openings exist across the U.S. and around the world.”
Kienast said aviation companies from Michigan and all over the U.S. will be looking to fill a variety of positions such as accountants, pilots, technical writers, mechanics, flight attendants, engineers, customer service personnel and more.
“We’re going to have our largest class ever this year and enrollment continues to increase,” she said. “Also, veterans can come and look for work, too. This is an event not to miss if you’re interested in aviation or aerospace.”
The all-day expo will include training information and on-site interviews. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth, Project Move, Michigan Works, Eastern Michigan University, Washtenaw County Workforce Development, the Yankee Air Museum, area chambers and the Veteran’s Employment Specialists are expected to participate.
“We’re pleased to host an event where we can help veterans coming home and displaced workers that would like help with other career avenues,” said Burchett. “It’s an exciting industry where people only see a few positions. They don’t see all the makings and opportunities.”
Along with aviation organizations, the expo will also include an integrated de-icing system truck display, an airforce F-16 plane and other activities and hands-on displays for school trips, Kienast said.
“It’s a great way for teachers to expose the field to students at a young age and get them interested,” she said. For more information about the event, contact Kienast at 1(800) 447-1310 or visit www.miat.edu.
