The sky's the limit for girls in School District 83 after a recent opportunity to explore careers in aviation.

On April 3, a group of Grade 10 to 12 students from Salmon Arm Secondary, J.L. Jackson and A.L. Fortune in Enderby participated in a tour and program at the 琉璃神社 International Airport and surrounding support businesses to increase awareness of all aspects of careers in aviation. 

The group of 12 local students joined approximately 50 other girls from around the region on the tour of the main airport, the Aviation Museum, and the airplane and helicopter flight schools. They also learned about aviation-based careers in trades, technology and administration, as well as in the sky. 

The day also included women presenters telling about their careers as a pilot, stewardess, medical pilot, aircraft maintenance engineer, drone pilot and aircraft maintenance/mechanic. 

Career education teacher Greg Seed said that while it was a long day, they left J.L. Jackson at 7:30 a.m. and returned at 5 p.m., the kids did well.

"The students were incredibly patient, persevered and cooperative throughout the day," he said in a media release, adding that many of the girls in attendance had interest in aircraft and the industry. 

Career exploration opportunities like this are particularly important as research shows the main barrier to women entering an aviation field is due to lack of awareness. Following the field trip, two students have since indicated they had a particular interest in careers with helicopters, with one considering a career as a medevac pilot, and the other wanting a career flying a chopper.