Aerospace is one of the top ten industries in Kentucky.

Did you know that?

And it's projected to keep growing.

Now, those interested in a career in aerospace and aviation have a new way to learn about jobs in the industry.

The salaries, credentials and projected employment.

It's a new feature on the state's career exploration site, Future ready.org.

The addition to the site is in response to the Aero Act, passed by the Kentucky General Assembly to grow the state's aviation workforce and strengthen ties between education and the industry.

We are so excited to be a part of the efforts that our General Assembly is making towards, really looking at the aerospace career sectors that are specific, careers that they can look up and it's beyond pilots.

So in that sector, there's lots of occupations that are technicians.

There are those who work on the planes and, potential students will also be able to see what institutions offer similar majors to be able to pursue those careers in aviation or any type of aerospace, sector.

And so it provides our citizens, whether they're middle or high school students, adults who want to return to the workforce or upskill or, get a degree or credential, and they're able to see what's available in our state.

So all of our institutions, workforce demands by the region, and so they can actually look at possible careers and then what type of training or education they would need.

Median wage and the demand for those jobs.

Now, in Bardstown, a program is attempting to help with the shortage of aviation professionals in Kentucky.

The Bluegrass Aerospace Experience is giving high school students the opportunity to explore careers in aviation through hands on learning.

There is a substantial shortage of pilots and also aviation mechanics over the next 15 to 20 years.

I think that the number last number I saw was roughly 800,000 for each.

And so, you know, it's our responsibility as educators.

And as a community to best prepare our students for, professions of the future.

So many young people in Kentucky, if you mention aviation to them, they focus on airline pilot.

There's over 600 companies in the aviation industry here in the state of Kentucky.

We're trying to give these young people a taste of the aviation industry, so they can decide if they want to do it.

Several years ago, it was the idea to form three schools to create the bluegrass aerospace experience.

So there's three levels to this program.

The first level is, the introductory curriculum that is an AOPA, curriculum.

And we have about 80 students that are currently enrolled in that program from all three school districts.

And then as, the students progress through the program, they have the opportunity to take part in the build program here, which is they have the opportunity to build, a carbon cub airplane, from about 8000 pieces, right here at the airport.

My junior year came around and I applied to be in the build program, and I was accepted.

And I started coming out here.

How?

They've talked before for two hours a day, Monday through Friday.

And it really kind of gave me the bug for aviation.

It really sparked my passion that I have for aviation.

And then the last, portion of the program is the flight program.

And so for those that do want to go on and get the, flight hours towards their, pilot's license, they have the opportunity to do that.

That's where I have to thank for my really my true beginning in my flying career.

So after I finished up with the flight program and I continued flying throughout high school and I received my private pilot's license, the young people that choose to enter this program are pioneers.

They're stepping way out of their comfort zone.

They've never built an airplane before.

They've never hung out at an airport for two hours a day, Monday through Friday.

That ability to to shape their future through this program is is great.

And my my best advice would be to step out of your comfort zone, do something that you've never done before.

Every year the airplane the students build is sold, and that money pays for the kit for next year's group.