The aviation industry, like many others, has long been dominated by a homogenous demographic. For decades, careers in aviation have been largely inaccessible to women and underrepresented groups due to various systemic barriers. However, organizations like Elevate Aviation is playing a crucial role in dismantling these barriers, inspiring people to explore aviation career opportunities, and fostering a more inclusive community within the industry. In this post, we’ll explore the specific obstacles faced by these groups and how Elevate Aviation and its Elevate Aviation Learning Centre are making an impact.
The Aviation Barriers
1. Gender Stereotypes and Cultural Norms
One of the most pervasive barriers is the persistence of gender stereotypes and cultural norms that discourage women from pursuing careers in aviation. From a young age, traditional societal expectations often steer women away from STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, which are integral to aviation. These cultural biases can create a lack of confidence and interest in aviation careers among young girls.
2. Lack of Role Models and Mentors
Visibility is crucial for inspiring future generations. The lack of female and minority role models in the aviation industry means that aspiring professionals from underrepresented groups may not often see people like themselves in these roles. This absence can diminish their aspirations and perpetuate a cycle of underrepresentation.
3. Limited Access to Education and Training
Quality education and specialized training are essential for a career in aviation, but access to these resources can be limited for equity seeking groups. Financial constraints, geographical limitations, and a lack of awareness about aviation career opportunities contribute to this challenge. Without the necessary educational foundation and training, many individuals find it difficult to enter the industry.
4. Workplace Discrimination and Bias
For those who do break into the industry, systemic barriers, workplace discrimination and bias can be significant hurdles. Women and minorities often face unequal treatment, microaggressions, and a lack of support in predominantly male and homogeneous environments. These issues can lead to higher attrition rates among underrepresented groups in aviation.
How We Seek to Help
Elevate Aviation is committed to breaking down these barriers and creating an inclusive aviation industry. Below, you can explore a few of the ways we seek to address the current challenges:
1. Education Programs
Elevate Aviation Learning Centre provides comprehensive, educational programs that introduce young girls and underrepresented individuals to the possibilities within the aviation industry. For example, Junior Jets and the Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Program aim to spark interest and build foundational knowledge in aviation from an early age. We also offer a variety of other Aviation Readiness Training (ART) Programs that are 100% FREE to the learner.
2. Mentorship
Understanding the importance of role models, Elevate Aviation connects aspiring aviators with mentors who can provide guidance, encouragement, and real-world insights into the industry. These mentorship programs are designed to build confidence, provide career advice, and create a supportive community for those entering the field.
3. Bursaries and Financial Support
A career in aviation means extensive training, which can be very costly.
Understanding the financial challenge, Elevate Aviation has several programs available to help fund your aviation career training. Women who show exceptional potential and need financial assistance throughout the training process may apply for the bursary programs highlighted at https://elevateaviation.ca/programs/bursaries/.
As we mentioned earlier in this post, the Elevate Aviation Learning Centre also offers several FREE Aviation Readiness Training (ART) programs, which helps to remove the financial barrier to entering the industry. We are able to do this through government funding. We provide wrap-around supports for all of our ART learners.
Furthermore, we have a scholarship program through the Alberta College of Aeronautics for learners who complete the Private Pilot License (PPL) Ground School stream of our no-cost Foundational Aviation Skills Training (FAST) Program.
4. Advocacy and Awareness
Elevate Aviation Learning Centre actively advocates for diversity and inclusion within the industry. By raising awareness about the challenges faced by women and underrepresented groups, the organization works to foster a more inclusive culture within aviation companies and organizations. In several of our Elevate Aviation Learning Centre programs, we also offer Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Training.
Another way we enhance awareness is through two of our programs that spark an interest in aviation from a young age; our Junior Jets Program and our Aviation Career Exploration (ACE) Program. The Junior Jets Program (available virtually or in-person), introduces children to the exciting world of aviation through engaging topics aligned with their K-6 curriculum. The ACE Program is a week-long, site-based program for students ages 11–18 that fosters active engagement through immersive activities, presentations and hands-on exploration in a journey of learning about careers in the aviation industry.
5. Networking and Career Opportunities
As an organization partnered with several leading companies in the aviation industry, Elevate Aviation Learning Centre helps bridge the gap between training and employment, ensuring that qualified candidates have the chance to be connected to meaningful opportunities within the industry, and meet professionals in their desired field. To enhance learners’ qualifications and help prepare them to work in their desired field, we provide safety training, certifications, and occupation-specific skills.
To aid in professional development, we also offer an annual Leadership Masterclass where attendees have the opportunity to enhance their leadership capabilities, enhance their skills, network with other aviation professionals, and participate in engaging group activities.
Conclusion
By addressing the specific barriers to entry that women and underrepresented groups face, Elevate Aviation and its Elevate Aviation Learning Centre are opening the skies to a diverse new generation of aviation professionals. As these efforts continue to gain momentum, the future of aviation looks brighter and more inclusive than ever. We invite you to discover free aviation training programs at https://learn.elevateaviation.ca/programs/.
