NBAA-BACE Collegiate Connect Showcases Variety, Excitement of Business Aviation Careers

Sept. 11, 2023

As the industry faces the challenges of ensuring enough workers for the future, the Collegiate Connect program at this year’s NBAA Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (NBAA-BACE) in Las Vegas will immerse university and technical school students in the world of business aviation and introduce them to the variety of career opportunities available.

Taking place on Oct. 19, the third day of NBAA-BACE, the program will highlight nine career categories: airport business, business management, broker/sales, cabin attendant, innovation and technology, maintenance, marketing, pilot and scheduler/dispatcher. Members of NBAA Young Professionals in Business Aviation (YoPros) group, including recent hires, will describe their experiences in the multi-generational industry.

“Collegiate Connect will seek to inspire young people to aspire to rewarding careers in business aviation,” said Jo Damato, CAM, NBAA senior vice president for education, training and workforce development. “We hope that this important program will give students a deeper understanding of the diverse and exciting opportunities that await them in our global industry.”

Learn more about Collegiate Connect.

Students also will have a chance to discuss job and internship possibilities with recruiters at the first-ever NBAA Career Fair, as well as network with hundreds of exhibitors on the show floor and view a wide variety of business aircraft on display.

The Career Fair, which takes place Oct. 18, from 1-5 p.m., and Oct. 19 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m., is expected to feature more than a dozen companies. As of early September, exhibitors included: West Star Aviation, Otter Air Services LLC, Universal Weather and Aviation, LLC, Jet Aviation, JSfirm.com, StandardAero, MedAire, Bombardier and Charter Jet One.

“When we heard about the first-ever Career Fair taking place at NBAA-BACE this year we were ecstatic to be able to participate in this event,” said Christy Bergeron, talent engagement and acquisitions manager with Universal Weather and Aviation, LLC. “Having the opportunity to connect with potential candidates that have the same passion for aviation that we do was a no brainer. We’re excited to be a part of this event and look forward to meeting candidates to join our growing team!”

Debi Cunningham, vice president, marketing, at West Star Aviation agreed. “Our industry is looking for people to fill positions that are both challenging and long-term rewarding. At West Star, we have so many great job opportunities that we jumped at the chance to share our companies’ opportunities with students looking for a great career in aviation. We hope to share those challenges, the rewards and the innovation that West Star can provide.”

“The Jet Aviation Staffing team is excited to participate in NBAA’s Career Fair and connect with candidates who share our passion for flight.  We remain committed to building a future for the next generation of aviation talent,” said Elaine Lapotosky, vice president of staffing for Jet Aviation.

Learn more about the NBAA-BACE Career Fair.

Admission to Collegiate Connect is free for all registered students, faculty and chaperones. Students must present their school ID at a registration counter to obtain their badges for NBAA-BACE. While the event is geared toward college students, high schoolers are also welcome to attend.

NBAA-BACE takes place Oct. 17-19 in Las Vegas, Learn more about the world’s largest business aviation event at nbaa.org/2023.