Story ID: 
Chicago Launching Barrington Irving STEM Initiative
By: Matt Thurber
Caption: Program introduces students to FBO and MRO aviation career opportunities 
Word Count: 205
On April 16, Chicago Public Schools, Atlantic Aviation, and aviation educator and pilot Barrington Irving are launching an aviation workforce initiative to help students learn about hands-on career opportunities.
The Barrington Irving Technical Training School (BITTS) science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce development initiative aims to give students at Morgan Park High School, in Chicago’s South Side, hands-on exposure to aviation careers. This includes training opportunities through BITTS and potential summer internships, both in FBO and MRO operations.
At the April 16 event, students from Morgan Park will share the stage with Irving, leaders from Atlantic Aviation, and Chicago Public Schools representatives. The event will be held at Atlantic Aviation’s Chicago Midway International Airport FBO.
BITTS is designed to bring new entrants into aviation, but in roles at FBOs and MROs that might not be as apparent as the traditional focus on more highlighted careers such as pilots. The organization’s hands-on training programs take 12 to 16 weeks.
“You’re talking about careers and jobs that most people have never heard of. Navigating our industry can be a challenge, and BITTS helps with that,” Irving said in a recent article published in The Miami Times.