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For many students, aviation can feel distant – something that happens high above them or far beyond the classroom. The Aviators in Schools program is changing that by bringing aviation professionals directly into schools and showing students how STEM subjects come to life in the real world.
Part of CSIRO’s STEM Professionals in Schools initiative, Aviators in Schools connects teachers and aviation professionals in flexible partnerships that work for both sides. There’s no fixed model. Some partnerships focus on mentoring or career conversations, others on site visits, classroom presentations or hands-on activities. What matters is giving students a genuine window into how aviation works today.
By meeting people who work across aviation and aerospace, students can start to see how what they’re learning at school links to real jobs and real futures. They also get to hear first-hand stories about the many different pathways into the industry — from technical and operational roles to education, training and leadership.
The program places a strong focus on visibility and inclusion. While it highlights the experiences of women in aviation, Aviators in Schools welcomes professionals of all backgrounds. Each visit helps broaden students’ understanding of who works in aviation and the wide range of opportunities available.
Teachers and aviation professionals are supported throughout the process, with access to resources, professional learning, webinars and advice from a dedicated Program Support Officer. This support helps partnerships grow naturally and stay focused on what students need most.
Stories from mentors such as former air traffic controller Bridget Hosking and aeromedical training facilitator Fenella Jefferson show students how STEM skills can lead to unexpected and rewarding careers – and that there’s no single “right” path into aviation.
Teachers and aviation professionals interested in participating can register their interest via CSIRO’s expression of interest process and help bring aviation to life for students nationwide: www.csiro.au/aviators-in-schools-EOI
Supported by Aviation/Aerospace Australia, CSIRO and the Australian Government, Aviators in Schools is a simple but powerful way to spark curiosity, build confidence and inspire the next generation of aviation and STEM professionals.
Find out more about the program: https://www.csiro.au/en/education/Programs/Aviators-in-School-program
