Oakland Aviation Day Sparks Unforgettable Opportunities for Teens to Discover and Pursue Thrilling Careers in Aviation at Oakland International Airport

The Port of Oakland recently welcomed a dynamic group of teens to its highly anticipated Oakland Aviation Day event at Oakland International Airport (OAK). The hands-on event, which has become a staple in the region since 2016, serves as an exciting gateway for young people to explore various career opportunities within the aviation industry. After a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s event marked a significant return to in-person engagement, drawing youth from the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oakland, San Leandro, and Alameda.

“OAK was proud to host the local Boys and Girls Club chapters this past weekend in partnership with all of the other participating organizations,” said Port of Oakland Director of Aviation Craig Simon. “There are many excellent careers to choose from within the aviation field that are in high-demand for workers. This event was a great opportunity for youth to gain exposure to some of those essential jobs at an airport.”

Aimed at teens aged 13-18, the event offered a comprehensive look into the world of aviation. Students were able to interact with professionals and gain insight into a wide range of careers, from pilots to aviation maintenance mechanics. Through workshops, tours, and presentations, participants were not only introduced to aviation careers but also had the chance to experience them firsthand.

Key Highlights of the Event:

• Oakland Aviation Museum provided an enriching tour of its exhibits, giving teens a deeper understanding of aviation history.
• College of Alameda introduced participants to the aviation maintenance mechanic career field, showcasing the critical role of mechanics in the aviation industry.
• Southwest Airlines offered an exciting career presentation, complete with a flight simulator that allowed teens to get a feel for the flight experience.
• Kaiser Air and Signature Aviation hosted a fascinating tour of their charter aircraft and hangars, allowing teens to witness aviation operations up close.
• Oakland Fire Department gave an exclusive look at the Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Station, demonstrating the essential role fire and safety personnel play in aviation.
• Community Resources for Science led an interactive “Forces of Flight” lesson and a hands-on paper airplane activity, making the physics of flight both engaging and educational.

This year’s event was hosted by the Port of Oakland’s Social Responsibility Division, a group dedicated to fostering meaningful relationships with various community organizations throughout the East Bay. With such a wide array of partners contributing to the event, Oakland Aviation Day successfully bridged the gap between education and career exploration in aviation.

As Oakland continues to build its reputation as a hub for aviation innovation, this annual event serves as an invaluable opportunity for the next generation of aviation professionals to explore their passions and aspirations in the industry.

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