Jobs in aviation: The job fair “ABC13 Who's Hiring” shows growing opportunities in the aerospace industry

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – If you've always wanted to be a pilot, you'll soon be able to do so from the comfort of your desk at the office, and you'll learn how at ABC13's Who's Hiring job fair.

By the end of the decade, you could be flying over Houston instead of sitting in traffic. Wisk Aero has its sights set on the Space City for its new service.

It is a growing ministry and some say it is breaking new ground.

“When a lot of these things fly, I can look back and think that I was involved in their origin in Houston and in the United States in general,” explained Emilien Marchand.

Marchand works for Wisk Aero, which develops aircraft that carry passengers without pilots.

“This allows us to pass these costs on to customers,” Marchand continued. “This makes flights increasingly cheaper and more affordable for a larger part of the population.”

To achieve this, the company needs qualified employees. Houston Community College Southwest is one of the places where this is possible.

The college offers a drone certification program.

“It's more a demand for skills than for jobs,” said Mike Webster, interim president of HCC Southwest. “Think about the construction industry. If you have a roofer, they're now doing inspections by drone.”

FCC data shows that five years ago there were about 2,000 drone delivery flights. Last year that number rose to over 30,000. So far this year there have been over 35,000.

It's not just about growth in unmanned aircraft. The Greater Houston Partnership's recent report on the Houston Airport System shows that more than 60 million passengers used the airports.

That's 7% more than the previous year. For this reason, jobs as aircraft maintenance technicians are in high demand.

Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that these occupations earn around $75,000 per year. Next year, HCC Southwest will offer a new course focused on these occupations.

“The job market is strong and of the nine community colleges in this region, none offer this program,” Webster said.

It is a profession that can do more than just make money.

“We see this as the future of mobility in our cities,” said Marchand. “That's what brought me into space.”

ABC13's “Who's Hiring Job Fair” episode with Workforce Solutions featuring aerospace industry experts will air soon on our 24/7 stream.

We also offer you the opportunity to find a job in person. On Thursday, August 22, Eyewitness News will host an in-person job fair in partnership with Workforce Solutions.

It will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church, 3826 Wheeler Ave. in Houston.

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