Aerospace Club at Brampton High School opens doors for youth in aviation industry

BY PAUL JUNOR

There are no limits to the career choices that high school students have concerning career options and trade opportunities. The Aerospace Club is an extracurricular club located at Chinguacousy Secondary School in Brampton. It enhances the life opportunities of many youths. Since it was launched in December 2022, it has opened opportunities for these young people to explore the world of aviation and diverse careers in the aerospace industry.

On Friday, December 8^th, 2023, I interviewed Mizanne Harris, Curriculum Leader in the Technological Department at Chinguacousy S.S. and founder of the Aerospace Club. She shared with me details about her academic background, working experiences and transition from a leadership position at SunWing Airlines to teaching aviation and business in the Peel District School Board (PDSB).

She studied at the University of Birmingham in England where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree. Although she was trained as a chef, she made the transition to teaching in programs that were older than 16 years old and needed supplementary educational support.

She told me that after she migrated to Canada 10 years ago; she was interested in continuing her teaching career, but the process of having her teaching qualifications recognized by the Ontario College of Teachers was very challenging. Despite her extensive academic and teaching experiences, she decided to enroll in the Teacher Education program at York University. She completed the two-year program in 2018 with a Bachelor of Education with teaching qualifications in: Technological Education, Hospitality and Tourism, Grades 9 -11.

In 2018 she started supply teaching with the PDSB, which ultimately led to a full-time position. Her promotion to the leadership position of Technological Education was a fitting culmination and reward for her years of education and expertise in the highly evolving and rapidly expanding technological fields.

She started the Aerospace Club in December 2022 as the first one of its kind in the PDSB. The school’s website states it is for everybody who is passionate about aviation, aircraft or aerospace. There are currently about 45 students with a 70%-30% split of boys and girls, and they meet every Monday for 45 minutes. The majority of the participants are senior students, many of whom are in the SciTech program. Committed members are able to explore aerospace-related subjects with inspired individuals and learn about the fundamental aerodynamics knowledge and the various jobs that are available throughout these fields.”

Mizanne told me that weekly meetings are structured to be interactive so that the members learn many aspects of aviation. The mix of non-SciTech and SciTech students builds their leadership skills as they take on initiatives to explore career options. She encourages the club members to pursue opportunities that are available through local flying clubs to pursue their interests and passions to become a pilot. They can initiate the process as early as 14 years old when they are in grade nine. She informed them that due to shifts that are currently underway in the aviation industry, there will be a need for more individuals to choose careers in diverse areas as regulations change.

Mizzane is excited about encouraging girls to pursue careers in the aviation industry. As it is a traditionally male-dominated field, it is important that girls are encouraged to see themselves represented at all levels of this exciting field.