Girls Exploring Careers in Aviation
Twelve Grade 10-12 students from J.L. Jackson, Salmon Arm Secondary, and A.L. Fortune participated in a tour and program to increase girl student awareness of careers in all aspects of aviation as they explored the Kelowna Airport and surrounding supporting businesses on Thursday, April 3, 2025.
The 12 local students joined a group of approximately 50 female students from around the region who visited the airport complex as well as getting a tour of the Aviation Museum, airplane, and helicopter flight schools. Throughout the day the students learned about aviation-based careers in the trades, technology, administration, and, of course, in the sky! This program was made possible by Elevate Aviation, a not-for-profit group based out of Edmonton that promotes aviation careers for women and other underrepresented groups.
During the day the female presenters talked to the students about their careers as a pilot, stewardess, medical pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, drone pilot, and aircraft maintenance/mechanic. As mentioned, students also had the opportunity to tour the Aviation Museum and flight schools.
Career Education teacher Greg Seed commented that it was a long day as the students left J.L. Jackson at 7:30 a.m. and didn’t return from Kelowna until 5 p.m. “The students were incredibly patient, persevered, and cooperative throughout the day,” he said. He believes many of the students who went on the trip had an interest in planes, helicopters, and the aviation industry. This field trip was eye-opening and inspired a few to seriously consider aviation and the plethora of career opportunities available, he added.
Participating students Brooke and Kennedy said they were particularly interested in learning about careers involving helicopters. One mentioned she would like to pursue a career as a medivac pilot, while the other thought flying a helicopter would be a career she would be interested in.
The Kelowna Airport is one of 18 airports across Canada visited by Elevate Aviation this spring, offering these free programs and tours. Career Coordinator George Richard noted he learned about the program from a Career Education Society Newsletter in 2023. “It has taken this long for the event to return to the B.C. Interior, thanks, in part, to SD83’s lobbying.”
Research and polls from a variety of demographics across Canada, prove that the largest barrier to female entry into aviation is simply lack of awareness. This gap not only denies women options for economic security, but it has also been identified as a cause of a labour shortage that the industry is facing. Elevate Aviation’s program is aimed at helping bridge that gap, and with programs all across Canada, they are helping create a shift in the aviation industry.
This career exploration session is just one example of how the District is raising awareness of various careers and pathways open to students. Read more about SD83’s career goal in the SD83 2023-2028 Strategic Plan .