Students at the New Winthorpes Primary School who may have an interest in aviation were given first-hand information about the career option recently,

Thanks to the Rotary Club of Antigua, who hosted an Aviation Career Expo at the school.

President Ilean and aviation stakeholders spoke to the Grade 5 students about the career option and the importance of the industry

New Winthorpes Primary School was selected for the project due to its history and proximity to the V.C. Bird International Airport.

Before its latest location, in 1942, Winthorpes Village was located in the vicinity of the V.C Bird International Airport.

According to a press statement, during WWII, the village was relocated to accommodate the establishment of an American base. At its new location, the village was renamed New Winthorpes and the school was built to serve the community.

“Although several persons from the village are employed in the aviation sector, the majority are in entry-level positions. Therefore, the event sought to begin to address this shortcoming as it relates to marketable skills in the sector and ultimately, the employment disparity”, the statement said.

President Ilean spoke about the importance of targeting young and impressionable minds. 

“She also thanked the Principal of New Winthorpes Primary School and the aviation stakeholders for their timely and impactful presentations,” the statement added

The Aviation Career Expo falls under one of Rotary’s 7 areas of focus, Community and Economic Development.