Jobs in the aviation industry are in huge demand right now. Some new numbers from Embry Riddle University show about one million such jobs need to be filled in the next 10 years.
Now some kids at Tampa International Airport are getting a head start in a first-of-its-kind internship. These teens are preparing for their future careers by learning the airport inside and out.
"For us to have this opportunity to be at an airport experiencing all what we're learning it's just great," Clearwater High School junior Adel Abouelsenoun said.
Abouelsenoun wants to be a pilot. He's one of the teens chosen for Tampa International Airport's internship program. They're one of the first airports to try this. The Pasco County School District is funding this 6-week experience, putting students to work for college credit, doing their dream jobs.
"I've answered calls here, I've been out on the runway, I've been in the tower itself. That was great, it's awesome up there," senior at Robinson High School Jordan McDaniel said.
These teens inspect runways, tackle operations and tag along with airport police. They're getting a glimpse at every employee's job.
"From the cockpit all you see is just a sign showing you where to go but they have to make sure you see the sign and it is in good shape," Abouelsenoun said.
These students all want to pursue careers in aviation. Some even hope to wind up as a part of the team at TIA.
"Without one link the whole airport would be off so it is really cool to see if you're one person and one of the links you help make the airport run," McDaniel said.
This summer's interns have two weeks left. The airport says they plan to keep the program up next summer and possibly expand it.
