Almost 200 students across the Northern Rivers attended the 7th annual Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Aviation Careers Expo and got the industry inside scoop on just where a career in aviation can take you.
With support from the NSW Department of Education and delivered by the Educational Pathways Program the event highlighted the wide range of career opportunities connected to aviation — including engineering, sustainability, emerging technologies, infrastructure, airport operations and more.
The expo connected students with aviation professionals, industry organisations and exhibitors to explore the diverse range of pathways available across the sector, including pilots, engineers, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, drone operators, ground crew, defence personnel, mechanics, media creators, customer service and airport operations.
Students explored interactive experiences throughout the day, including flight simulators, drone demonstrations, environmental sustainability activities and a behind-the-scenes runway tour, while hearing firsthand from industry experts about the many opportunities available within aviation and regional infrastructure.
Students were also treated to a special guest presentation from 16-year-old teen pilot Byron Waller, who at just 15 years old became one of the youngest people ever to complete a supported flight around the world. Flying through 19 countries and reaching a global audience of millions, Byron shared insights into his incredible aviation journey and encouraged students to pursue ambitious goals and career pathways.
"Aviation opens doors to incredible opportunities, and it was fantastic to see so many students curious, engaged, and excited about their futures," Ballina Byron Gateway Airport Manager Julie Stewart said.
Vanessa Perrin, Head Teacher Careers Ballina Schools Group and Educational Pathways Program said the expo had grown significantly since it first launched.
"What began as a modest one-day event with less than 30 students has now grown into something far bigger than I could have ever imagined — with hundreds of students, multiple schools, exhibitors, presenters, industry stakeholders and community supporters all coming together around a shared passion for aviation, pathways and opportunity," Perrin said.
"It's incredibly rewarding to see how much the event has grown and evolved over the years."
The action-packed day gave students the chance to connect directly with industry professionals and discover the innovative, fast-moving careers helping shape the future of aviation and regional infrastructure.
