Stansted Airport College students mark International Civil Aviation Day

Stansted Airport College students marked International Civil Aviation Day at a networking event.

They had the chance to quiz representatives of invited aviation organisations about work experience and career opportunities.

Each year, International Civil Aviation Day recognises the industry's role in boosting global, social and economic development.

Organisations that attended included the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), Royal Aeronautical Society (RAS), Stansted Airport, Harrods Aviation and Ryanair.

Nick Davis, education, skills and diversity manager at the RAS, said: "We try to inspire future generations into aerospace and aviation careers. It's really important for us to talk with young people about the opportunities available in our sectors. It's been a tough 18 months but the industry is very resilient and there'll be lots of opportunities in the sector, including many brand new opportunities. It's a very rewarding, inspirational and future-thinking industry."

Emily Cottrell and Sharon Nicholson represented the CAA, which oversees safety regulations. Emily said: "The aviation industry has had a tough time recently, but it does tend to be cyclic and every time it comes back it tends to come back stronger, so the jobs will be there.

Alex Smith, education co-ordinator at Stansted Airport, said: "I work quite closely with everyone at the college so I get a lot of time to interact with the students and I've been really impressed with the level of interest they've shown. I think they're really awake to the opportunities available at the airport currently and looking ahead, as the industry starts to recover.

"I was delighted to promote hundreds of exciting roles currently available at the airport across several sectors, including hospitality, aviation and cargo. It's been great just to talk with students to make them aware of what's available over the other side of the runway."

Victoria Clayden Smith, deputy head of Stansted Airport College, said: "The day celebrates the importance of civil aviation and recognises the role aviation plays in the global transit network.

"The event offers our students a unique opportunity to network with organisations from the aviation industry, expand their knowledge and find out information about careers and governing bodies."