JOB SHADOW DAY MATCHES 35 STUDENTS, MENTORS AT VAN NUYS AIRPORT

For Immediate Release
February 7, 2019

Contact:
Diana Sanchez
(818) 422-6526

Today, 35 students from Van Nuys High School got a firsthand look at aviation careers as they spent the morning with industry professionals from a variety of businesses at Van Nuys Airport (VNY) during the annual Job Shadow Day. The demand for skilled professionals in the aviation sector is on the rise, with well-paying jobs available for those who have the training and drive to succeed.

"Our annual Job Shadow Day provides students with an opportunity to get a taste of what a career in the aviation industry might entail," said Flora Margheritis, Van Nuys Airport Manager. "These are exciting careers, and we hope events like this help the students realize how big of a role they can play in the future of aviation. We look forward to seeing many of them building careers here in the future.

Sponsored by VNY and Junior Achievement of Southern California, the event places students from Van Nuys High School in various professional and trade occupations at businesses around the airport. The program is also beneficial to the participating tenants, who have a chance to pique the students' interest in a variety of careers.

"The need for thousands of new technicians over the next 20 years is a big issue, and Western Jet is excited to partner with LAWA to open doors for high school students who may not have previously considered a career in aviation," said Jim Hansen, founder and General Manager, Western Jet Aviation. "Offering the opportunity to be up close to business jets and interact with technicians creates a strong first impression that often leads to long-term career relationships, a key element of Western Jet's success since we opened our doors two decades ago."

In addition to Western Jet Aviation, participating businesses and agencies included The Park VNY, Aeroplex/Aerolease, Clay Lacy, LAFD Fire Station No. 114, Corsair, Sun Air, Skybird and North Valley Occupational Center.

About Van Nuys Airport:
VNY is one of two airports owned and operated by Los Angeles World Airports (LAWA), a self-supporting branch of the City of Los Angeles, governed by a seven-member Board of Airport Commissioners who are appointed by the mayor and approved by the Los Angeles City Council. One of the world's busiest general aviation airports, VNY serves as as valued San Fernando Valley resource,, providing ongoing leadership in general aviation, business and community service. Dedicated to non-commercial ari travel, VNY had over 262,000 operations in 2018. More than 100 businesses are located on the 730-acre airport, including four major fixed-base operators and numerous aviation service companies. Annually, the airport contributes approximately $2 billion to the Southern California economy and supports over 10,000 jobs.

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on the basis of disability and, upon request, will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services, and activities. Alternative formats in large print, braille, audio, and other forms (if possible) will be provided upon request.