Vice Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III and Guinness World Record holder Capt. Barrington Irving host aviation exploration for summer youth interns

MIAMI-DADE – For over 15 years, District One has granted the youth in the community opportunities to gain valuable experience through summer employment. The Summer Youth Internship Initiative (SYII), sponsored by Vice Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III, is a wonderful opportunity for the deserving youth in District One to acquire important business skills and exposure in real-world business environments. Vice Chairman Gilbert is committed to providing invaluable work experience and employment opportunities as an investment into young talent who will become future business leaders.

On Wednesday, August 10, at 9 a.m., SYII Interns will receive a once in a lifetime business aviation opportunity with partners based at the Opa-locka Airport, Atlantic Aviation, 15000 NW 44th Ave., Opa-locka, FL 33054. In partnership with Flying Classroom, Atlantic Aviation, Bombardier, Miami-Dade Aviation Department, and other partners, students will experience a career expedition in the backyard of the Opa-locka Airport. This event will include a tour of the Flying Classroom facilities, expert advice, career resources, and a flight over Key West with Guinness World Record holder Capt. Barrington Irving, the first Black person to fly around the world.

Irving is the founder of the Flying Classroom and Experience Aviation, which are both located in District One. This summer, he and the Flying Classroom team had a chance to work with Brianna Bellamy. Bellamy is a rising sophomore at Carol City Senior High School, who aspires to pursue a career in the medical field. She presented the idea of this event to Irving and his team as an initiative to combat labor shortages in the aviation industry. It is her hope that this event inspires other interns to develop a passion and pursue a career in the field. Vice Chairman Gilbert and the Flying Classroom team view this as an opportunity for the youth in our community to learn more about the aviation industry.