YQL Aviation Day: Ready for Takeoff!

Lethbridge Airport, in collaboration with CAREERS: The Next Generation, is excited to announce the inaugural YQL Aviation Day. Scheduled to take flight on Saturday, May 25, 2024, this free community event will showcase aviation careers to inspire the next generation of aviation enthusiasts.

“We are so grateful for our partnership with CAREERS: The Next Generation,” says Abby Slovack, General Manager of Opportunity Lethbridge. “With their support and close ties to education in southern Alberta, event posters and information are already in the hands of more than 50 schools. Based on similar events in Canada, we expect to have upwards of 500 attendees.”

The immersive day will be held on the airfield. One exhibit sure to create a buzz is the static aircraft display, including an F-18 Demo Cockpit courtesy of the Royal Canadian Air Force. The event will also include a career fair, guest speakers and networking opportunities.

This year’s theme is “Women in Aviation.” The latest numbers from Statistics Canada show that only six per cent of commercial airplane pilots, four percent of commercial helicopter pilots and 15 per cent of air traffic controllers in Canada are women. YQL Aviation Day will include female guest speakers who have made an impact in the aviation industry, all female flight crews at static aircraft displays and information on how organizations are working hard to promote careers for women in aviation.

Anthony Kish, Lethbridge Airport Electrician, was instrumental in getting the local event off the ground after learning about similar initiatives.

“As a father, it is frustrating to see there are still barriers for woman entering trades and aviation. It is getting better, but it is still not a clear-cut process,” says Kish.

While the event is focused on women in aviation, all attendees are welcome and asked to pre-register. The registration form, along with information for vendors, sponsors and volunteers, can be found on the event website.