Students from Alexandria City Public Schools, D.C. Public Schools, Fairfax County Public Schools and other district‑wide programs gathered Wednesday at the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) workforce‑development expo held at Reagan National Airport. The event gave the young visitors a behind‑the‑scenes look at airport operations, fire and police departments, and a wide range of career paths that keep the nation’s busiest hub running.
Hands‑on exposure to airport jobs
“I didn’t know you could transport sharks on a plane,” said Eliarys Valle, a senior at Maya Angelou Charter Public School, after learning that large marine animals travel in the cargo hold. Valle’s surprise sparked a broader realization among the students: the airport is more than runways and terminals.
Courtnie Gore, MWAA’s director of governance and corporate records, explained that the expo’s purpose is to introduce students to careers they might never have considered. “We’re excited to welcome students from Alexandria, D.C. and Fairfax so they can understand what opportunities await them here at the Airports Authority,” Gore said.
Career options beyond the cockpit
Eleven‑grader Kye De Menti of Alexandria City High School was impressed by the variety of trades. “I like hands‑on stuff, like technician or electrician work on airplanes and the vehicles around here,” he said.
Students toured the tarmac, rode a bus to the airport’s fire and police stations, watched a drug‑sniffing dog demonstration, and even tried on a tactical vest used by airport police SWAT teams. Junior London Cullins of Jackson‑Reed High School described the experience as “really fun” and said it gave him a glimpse of law‑enforcement work at the airport.
Industry professionals share insights
Panel discussions featured representatives from engineering, finance, hospitality, tourism, rental‑car companies, the Transportation Security Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. Attendees heard how each sector contributes to safe, efficient air travel.
Gore emphasized that many of these roles are unlikely to be automated. “These are jobs that won’t be conquered by AI; they need humans who are experts in their fields,” she said. The message resonated with students who are beginning to think about post‑high‑school pathways.
Students consider future steps
For Valle, the day sparked an interest in airport law‑enforcement. “I’m now thinking about a career in that area,” she said. Others left with ideas ranging from aircraft maintenance to airport security management.
The expo aligns with MWAA’s broader effort to build a pipeline of skilled workers for the region’s aviation industry, a critical component of the national transportation network. By exposing students to real‑world jobs early, the Authority hopes to fill future vacancies with local talent.
Why the event matters for families and communities
Families in the D.C. metropolitan area have long relied on the airport for jobs and commerce. Providing clear information about career options helps parents guide their children toward stable, well‑paying employment that supports traditional families and the community’s economic health.
As the Trump administration continues to prioritize workforce development and American competitiveness, local initiatives like this expo demonstrate how federal agencies can partner with schools to equip the next generation with the skills needed for a prosperous future.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
