Nice Côte d’Azur Airport inaugurated the first forum of aviation professions this Thursday, February 16. Over two days, about 650 middle and high school students from the French Riviera area will have the opportunity to learn about the intricacies of airport operations alongside a hundred professionals. This initiative aims to inspire careers in this rapidly expanding sector.
In this gloomy employment climate, the aviation industry is one of the sectors overcoming the crisis. In 2011 alone, French air traffic increased by 7%, and by 8.5% for Nice Côte d’Azur Airport. Furthermore, all forecasts indicate that over the next twenty years, it is expected to grow at an annual rate of 5%, which will inevitably lead to job creation in the future. To spark interest early on in the workforce’s future participants, Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, aided by the Nice academy and the AirEmploi association, is organizing the first aviation professions forum in Terminal 1.
About fifty professions accessible to all
When thinking of jobs in the aviation sector, the roles of pilots, flight attendants, and air traffic controllers come to mind. These are among the favorite professions of teenagers. However, there are about fifty different roles in the airport environment, most of which are unknown, offering exciting career opportunities accessible without a degree or with a BEP/CAP level up to a Bachelor’s +5 level. From ground hostesses to airline pilots, including ramp agents, customs canine units, or air traffic controllers, a wide range of professions are represented by a hundred professionals. These individuals come from the main services of the Côte d’Azur Airports, Civil Aviation, customs, gendarmerie, border police, air force, Météo France, airlines, helicopter companies, freight companies, airport assistance, and security. Additionally, four founding organizations (ESMA, Ifaero, SKEMA Bachelors Aviation, and Cannes Aviation) will guide the students.
Priority on demonstrations
To engage a young audience, priority has been given to the interactive aspect. In addition to AirEmploi’s conferences and meetings with professionals, middle and high school students will be able to attend live demonstrations: explosive and drug detection operations by customs canine units, border police, and air transport police, drone flights by Drone Events and My Bionic Bird. The highlight of the forum is undoubtedly the presence of a flight simulator, offered by the Les Ailes Virtuelles association, allowing students to take the controls of an ATR or an Airbus. One of the many ways to allow “young people to discover in a concrete way the world of air transport and its many professional opportunities,” says Hervé de Place, chairman of the board of Aéroports de la Côte d’Azur. Giving them wings, indeed.
