The Rotary Club of Antigua recently hosted an Aviation Career Expo at the New
Winthorpes Primary School.
President Ilean Ramsey and aviation stakeholders informed, educated, and
sensitized Grade 5 students about the aviation industry's myriad career options.
The expo focused on three main objectives, namely:
1. To create awareness and stimulate interest in careers in aviation
2. To propel students to desire and ultimately pursue careers in aviation
3. To contribute to efforts aimed at creating a future cadre of aviation
professionals in Antigua and Barbuda
New Winthorpes Primary School was selected for the project due to its history and
proximity to the V.C. Bird International Airport.
Prior to 1942, Winthorpes Village was located in the vicinity of the V.C Bird
International Airport. During WWII, the village was relocated to accommodate the
establishment of an American base. The village was renamed New Winthorpes at
its new location, and the school was built to serve the community.
Although a number of persons from the village are employed in the aviation sector,
the majority are in entry-level positions. Therefore, the event sought to address
this shortcoming related to marketable skills in the sector and ultimately, the
employment disparity.
President Ilean expressed her conviction about the importance of targeting young
and impressionable minds. She also thanked the Principal of New Winthorpes
Primary School and the aviation stakeholders for their timely and impactful
presentations.
The Aviation Career Expo falls under one of Rotary’s 7 areas of focus, Community
and Economic Development.
