BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – HIGH school students from across the nation were reminded that there are other careers besides the traditional fields of law and medicine at yesterday’s (Apr. 29) Aerospace Symposium at the Basseterre High School.
The Symposium, an initiative of the Caribbean Aerospace College (CAC), was aimed at discussing the potential of the Caribbean aerospace industry. CAC representatives also took the opportunity to inform students about their institution and to encourage them to explore career opportunities within the industry.
CAC President Jamie Chang expounded on the rationale behind the CAC’s conception, noting aviation is an important industry worldwide and, even more so, in the Caribbean of the waters that surround and separate the different islands.
“The aviation industry is a growing one, despite the global economic crisis. The US Department of Transportation forecasts that by 2020 the world fleet of aircraft will double and worldwide passenger traffic will grow by about five percent per annum. Aviation is especially significant in the Caribbean because persons can’t jump in a car and travel for 14 hours to reach another island.
“The region has a shortage of skilled labour in aerospace technology and maintenance. If we really want to grow and enhance the industry, that will have to be addressed. That’s what the CAC is aiming to do: educate and train the regional labour force so we don’t have to outsource those types of jobs,” informed Chang.
The school, which will be officially launched in Kingston, Jamaica in July, will offer aircraft maintenance training and other industry-specific courses at the diploma, undergraduate and post-graduate levels. Diploma students will receive certification through the Air Transport Training College of Singapore, while the degree-level programmes will be awarded through Kingston University in London, England.
The CAC Executive is currently accepting applications for the inaugural class. Applicants should possess ‘O’ level passes in English and Math/Physics, or equivalent qualifications.
According to CAC Consultant Meredith Derby, St. Kitts is just one of the many stops the organisation’s representatives plan to make in upcoming weeks to generate interest and participation in the college. She revealed that they would be visiting several other islands within the region, as well as some Latin American countries.
“We’re really trying to make persons aware of the numerous opportunities available in this industry. That way, they can have broader and more varied career options.
“So many times you hear children saying they want to be a doctor or lawyer, or enter some other traditional field. We’re trying to educate them about the other choices that are out there so they won’t feel restricted when it comes to making decisions about their careers.”
For further information, persons can visit www.caribbeanaerospacecollege.com.
