Aviation careers were front and centre in Bonnyville this week as CAREERS hosted the first-ever Bonnyville Aviation Career Expo, drawing more than 400 students, parents, industry professionals and community members to the Bonnyville Airport.

The event marked the first aviation-focused career exploration event in the Lakeland region, giving attendees a chance to explore opportunities in commercial aviation, aircraft maintenance, drone operations, emergency response, crop dusting, helicopter services and more.

According to CAREERS, nearly 400 people attended the expo, connecting with employers, educators and aviation professionals from across Alberta. The event also created valuable industry conversations, including discussions around a potential crop-dusting grounds crew internship opportunity.

Bringing Aviation Careers to the Lakeland

CAREERS, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to connecting students with career pathways through hands-on experiences, organized the event to help young people explore opportunities within Alberta’s growing aviation industry.

Visitors had the opportunity to meet industry representatives, view aircraft displays and learn firsthand about the training, education and skills required for a variety of aviation careers.

For many attendees, it was their first chance to interact directly with pilots, maintenance technicians, emergency response crews, drone operators and aviation businesses all in one location.

Community Partnerships Fuel Success

The event was made possible through the support of numerous community organizations, businesses and volunteers.

The Bonnyville Flying Club, which hosted the event at the airport, reported more than 400 visitors attended the inaugural Aviation Expo and Career Day.

Organizers thanked Lakeland Credit Union for sponsoring lunch, COPA for providing insurance support, King Kans Rentals for supplying restroom facilities and the MD of Bonnyville for supporting the event at the airport.

Additional partners and exhibitors included the Bonnyville RC Club, Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, MD Constables, RCMP Air Division, Bonnyville Air Services, Alberta Forestry, Gemini Helicopters, WOLVERMAN Wilderness Outfitters, CASARA, Portage College, L3 Harris, Flight Fuels and Bonnyville Gear Grabbers.

The Flying Club also recognized the contributions of CAREERS staff, KUDO volunteers and the many volunteers from the Bonnyville Flying Club who helped make the event possible.

Already Looking Toward Next Year

With strong attendance and positive feedback from both industry and community members, organizers say the inaugural event exceeded expectations.

The success of the Aviation Career Expo highlighted growing interest in aviation careers across the Lakeland while providing students and job seekers with direct access to employers and training organizations.

Both CAREERS and local aviation partners are already looking ahead to future opportunities.

“Stay tuned,” the Bonnyville Flying Club said following the event. “Lots more to come next year.”

The strong turnout suggests the Bonnyville Aviation Career Expo may have found a permanent place on the region’s calendar, helping inspire the next generation of aviation professionals right here in the Lakeland.