On February 22nd, more than 70 students from Van Nuys High School and the North Valley Occupational Center (NVOC) Aviation Campus, which is located at Van Nuys Airport (VNY), were greeted by mentors from aviation-related airport businesses for an insightful and interactive program during VNY's Job Shadow Day. The annual event included mentor participants from airport tenants and is held in partnership with Junior Achievement of Southern California (JASC).

Students were immersed in the day-to-day activities of mentors and working world of aviation, while also learning about the daily operations of VNY. Various facility tours and hands-on activities at each location around the airport allowed students to gain industry insight, network with aviation industry leaders, and see how the skills that are learned in their classrooms are employed daily in a professional setting. "We were so glad to have our students participate in this event," said Elizabeth Penuela, Assistant Principal at and Event Coordinator for the NVOC part of the Division of Adult and Career Education within the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). "Our students learn aircraft mechanic skills and prepare for the FAA exams at NVOC, and had the chance to see first-hand what great opportunities they have right here at the Van Nuys Airport."

Mentors from businesses at VNY - including Active Pilot, Aeroplex/Aerolease Group, the Airtel Plaza Hotel, Castle & Cooke Aviation, Corsair Aviation, Helinet, LAFD Air Operations Station 114, Skybird Aviation, Sun Air Jets and VNY airport staff - provided a broad spectrum of aviation-related career possibilities and were excited to support students on their paths to success.

The event culminated with a lunchtime gathering inside a hangar generously donated by The Park VNY, an airport tenant facility dedicated to propeller aircraft. Overall, the event saw nearly 100 participants including students, mentors and staff.