Hamilton High School students recently had an incredible opportunity to participate in Aviation Career Exploration Day through a collaborative partnership with Oconomowoc High School and Waukesha County Airport/Crites Field. The unique experience gave students a firsthand look into the many exciting careers available within the aviation industry.
“Hearing firsthand stories from professionals who truly love what they do helps students see these possibilities in a real and tangible way,” explains Hamilton High School Business Teacher and Youth Apprenticeship Coordinator Sheila Frafjord. “Experiences like these bridge classroom learning to real-world opportunities. We are so grateful to our partners at Oconomowoc High School and Waukesha County Airport, as well as all of the volunteers and professionals who gave their time to make the day possible,” she adds.
During their time at the airport, students rotated through interactive opportunities and heard from pilots, aircraft mechanics, aerospace engineers, air traffic controllers, avionics technicians, aircraft manufacturers and airport operations staff.
“Every single person who spoke with our students brought a genuine love for their work and that enthusiasm was impossible to miss,” exclaims Frafjord.
One of the day’s biggest highlights was a live look inside the air traffic control tower. Students watched controllers communicate with aircraft in real time, managing the careful coordination required to keep operations running safely. Many had never seen anything like it and several students left seriously considering it as a future career.
Aviation Career Exploration Day also showed students how the industry connects to all career pathways. Whether a student is drawn to hands-on mechanical work, computer systems, design and engineering or management and operations, there is a place for them in aviation.
Frafjord says the students’ excitement and curiosity was inspiring. “Many left with a new appreciation for aviation! We look forward to continuing to provide experiences that help students explore, discover and imagine what their futures could hold,” said Frafjord.