Eastern Kentucky University aviation students attended a career fair Friday in hopes to break into the airline industry.
The fair is a way for students to connect with regional airlines like Allegiant and Republic, as well as the airports in Lexington, Louisville and Cincinnati.
Sean Adkins is a student in the program. He says he hopes to land a job with one of those airlines.
“I'm looking to get my name out there with one of our partnership airlines. I've already kind of made an effort to introduce myself at different events. Just want to continue to get my name out there,” Adkins said.
EKU organizers say the fair is a way to get more fresh faces in the industry as older pilots are expected to retire and create a shortage of workers. Adkins says he hopes to land a job with one of those airlines.
“We're encouraging more students to get out there and get involved in the industry in different ways. We're most notable for our professional pilot program, but this event goes specifically to show that there's a lot more that goes into the industry,” he said.
EKU organizers say they’re working to start a new pathway within their aviation program for air traffic management. They’ve recently established official partnerships with two regional airlines, and are working to renovate their flight training center.
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