Leaders of The Future Look Behind The Scenes To Mark Women In Aviation Week

Teesside University students have had a hands-on look behind the scenes at Teesside Airport to mark Women of Aviation Worldwide Week.

A visit has seen several students embarking on aviation careers shadow women in a range of leading roles across the site – from jobs with Willis Aviation Jet Centre, to roles in Marketing, Health and Safety, and Airport Operations.

Some roles in aviation remain dominated by men. But Teesside University students heard from a raft of senior staff at the airport who are bucking the trend and forging ahead.

All of the students got to see how the jobs worked in practice and received advice and tips.

Women of Aviation is a global aviation awareness week for girls of all ages observed to mark the anniversary of the world’s first female pilot licence, awarded to France’s Raymonde de Laroche in 1910. The week is a call to address gender imbalance in the air industry.

Today (8 March) also marks International Women’s Day.

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen said: “It’s great to see women staying local and going far at our airport and carving out successful careers.

“While we’re increasing the number of our holiday flights, we’re also seeing a boom when it comes to our freight facility, our new Freeport, and our upcoming £200million Southside Business Park.

“It all means more younger people setting out on their working lives in Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool can see first-hand the incredible work that goes on here, and students can be inspired to pursue careers in this exciting and dynamic industry.

“Our ties with Teesside University have never been more important and our airport is yet another way we can strengthen our relationship even more.”