Avports, the operator of New York's Westchester County Airport (KHPN), has collaborated with Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology and Westchester County to create a paid college internship program. This initiative was first announced last month at the NBAA Northeast Regional event held at KHPN. The program aims to provide students with valuable aviation experience in airport administration and operations, offering them opportunities to engage with airlines, Fortune 500 flight departments, Fixed Base Operators (FBOs), and private pilots.
KHPN and its tenant businesses employ nearly 1,500 workers, and Avports is looking to fill 60 positions through this new program. Francisco Tejada, the manager of KHPN, stated: "The partnership with Vaughn will prove to be a vast pipeline of emerging talent for airports like Westchester and others throughout the region and nation." He expressed hope that the program would attract young aviation professionals who bring fresh perspectives as they start their careers.
Hassan Khan, an intern who is entering his senior year at Vaughn College, shared his experience: "I’m so fortunate to be working alongside professionals and receiving the practical experience that I only read about in school. Here, I’m doing it every day and making inspections, safety and weather checks, and so much more." Khan believes this opportunity will aid him in establishing a career in airport management.