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A Chicago-based legacy airline that has a hub at George Bush International Airport (IAH) is opening doors for those in foster care who are on the verge of legal age.
Houston NBC affiliate KPRC reported that United Airlines (UA) introduced the Calibrate apprenticeship program this year, and on Saturday, hosted a group of young adults in foster care.
Citing a press release issued by UA, the station reported that Texas law deems anyone who turns 18 years old an adult and Child Protective Services (CPS) no longer has a hand in their decision-making.
The airline’s apprentice initiative looks to steer those “aging out” of the system away from potential struggles such as a job search or securing adequate housing.
Having valuable resources once the state lets these young adults go is very important, according to Aubrey Jackson, a corporate communications manager for UA at IAH.
As an adoptee at birth, Jackson told KPRC, it’s clear as to “how hard it can be” for such a demographic.
“Especially at a time when many are about to embark on adulthood with a lot to consider at such a pivotal point in their lives,” Jackson said in the report. “Knowing this, I wanted to expose them to opportunities in aviation and be a supportive force in helping them navigate toward a path of success.”
KPRC reported that UA partnered with the Houston Angels nonprofit organization to host the informative tour at the city’s main air gateway in which participants received a first-hand look at the workings of the aviation industry.
“This tour is an amazing opportunity for youth to see the many different avenues of possibility in the aviation industry – and it may actually be their first visit to an airport,” Houston Angels head Hana Woyt said, per the station.
Houston CW affiliate KIAH reported that UA held a job fair in Houston earlier this month.
Purportedly the largest job fair in the airline’s history, the event is a steppingstone toward the company’s goal to fill more than 2,000 positions by the end of 2023.