WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao announced the appointment of 20 representatives to the Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force (YIATF). Rep. Rick Larsen (WA-02), the current Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee, secured a provision in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2018 to create the YIATF.

“In Washington state and across the country, aviation means jobs,” said Larsen, a senior member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “I championed the creation of this task force to help develop the next generation of aviation workers – a win-win-win for young job seekers, the aviation sector and the U.S. economy. As Chair of the House Aviation Subcommittee, I am pleased to see the task force taking shape, and I will continue working hard to ensure federal investment in the future of aviation.”

The Youth Access to American Jobs in Aviation Task Force will work with aviation trade schools and community colleges, airline carriers and industry, labor unions and other relevant stakeholders to develop and provide recommendations to the FAA to encourage high school students to enroll in aviation apprenticeships. Dr. Sharon DeVivo, President and CEO of Vaughn College, will serve as Chair of YIATF. A full list of appointees and their biographies is available here.

Larsen is a strong supporter of efforts to help high school students access in-demand, good-paying jobs and keep the U.S. globally innovative and competitive. Last year, Larsen introduced legislation to create a six-year pathway for high school students training in STEM skills through community college and into a registered apprenticeship. He is also an advocate for robust federal investment in skills training, automation initiatives, cybersecurity education and green technology to foster the evolution and growth of the future workforce.

For more information on the Task Force, click here.

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