"Consider careers in civil aviation!"
This is the advice being given to school leavers by Minister of International Transport George Hutson, as that Ministry, in collaboration with the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), prepares to showcase the myriad employment opportunities available in this key sector.
??The opportunity comes with the staging of the annual International Civil Aviation week of activities under the theme: "Beyond Air Travel, Building our Economy" from this Sunday, December 5 to Saturday, December 11.
Addressing a recent press conference to launch the week, Minister Hutson underlined the sector’s contribution to the economy, as well as the diverse career options available. He stressed, that the scheduled activities would be used to promote employment in the sector, as is currently done for the local maritime sector.
??"I want to encourage the general public, especially our young people, to participate in this week’s activities, particularly the Career Showcase event, and the events at the light Aeroplane Club. Consider careers in civil aviation!" the Minister advised.
The celebratory week will get under way on Sunday, with a Church Service at the St. Bartholomew’s Anglican Church, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Minister Hutson will address the service, which is expected to bring together key officers from Civil Aviation, as well as GAIA.
Tuesday, December 7, is observed internationally as International Civil Aviation Day.?? The Day will be marked locally with a Flag Raising Ceremony and Official opening of a Careers Showcase at the GAIA, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Minister Hutson will deliver the keynote address, while Chief Executive Officer, GAIA, David Barrow, will deliver remarks at the official opening.
Meanwhile, the Careers Showcase will run from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Several senior secondary and tertiary-level students are expected to tour the various exhibits, as well as selected airport facilities, namely the Meteorological Office, the Airport Fire Station and the Civil Aviation Training Centre.?? Between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. patrons will be treated to live entertainment compliments of the Christ Church Foundation School Band.
On Wednesday, December 8, a Health Day will be staged at the GAIA from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. In addition to the opportunity to tour various health booths on the Airport’s Mezzanine Floor, patrons will also benefit from guided tours of the Air Traffic Services Department and the Meteorological Office.?? Live entertainment will be provided by the East Land All Stars between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Persons or groups interested in participating in the tours must call and reserve slots by Monday, December 6. This can be done by either calling the Air Traffic Services Department at 420-2874 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, or by sending an email to batca_barbados@hotmail.com.?? Reservations can also be made via the Barbados Air Traffic Control Association’s Facebook page.
Friday, December 10, is the date and the Fly Over Restaurant, the place, for a Fish Fry and Karaoke slated to run from 7:00 p.m. until… In addition to fun, food and frolic, participants will also have the opportunity to cheer on their peers during the finals of the GAIA’s Domino Competition. The prize-giving ceremony for that contest will also take place at the Fly Over, which is located obliquely opposite the GAIA.
The curtain will come down on the week of activities on Saturday, December 11, with a Fun Day at the Barbados Light Aeroplane Club, South Ramp, GAIA starting at 10:00 a.m.
In addition to presentations by the visiting Trinidad and Tobago Flying Club, patrons can also enjoy jumping tents and games, aircraft simulations, aircraft rides and flying consultations.?? Around mid-day, addresses will be made by club members and other specially invited speakers.??cgaskin@barbados.gov.bb