From classroom to career: Internship launches high school student into aviation

This has been a life-changing time for Israel Torres. He graduated from high school, earned a technical degree and embarked on a promising new career in aviation.

Israel’s story is a powerful testament to the transformative impact of the Aviation Pathway program, created by Textron Aviation, WSU Tech, and Wichita Public Schools and adopted by the Kansas State Board of Education to offer Kansas students an introduction to the many opportunities within the aviation industry.

Through this program, high school students gain advanced technical skills to accelerate their aviation careers. They take classes at their assigned high schools and at WSU Tech’s National Center for Aviation Training campus. During their program, students have the opportunity to participate in an internship to gain real-world experience.

“The Aviation Pathway helps us build a talent pipeline for the state’s largest industry,” said Michele Gifford, director of Human Resources for Textron Aviation.

Israel graduated from Wichita Northeast Magnet School while simultaneously earning his Aviation Maintenance Technology degree from WSU Tech. Last summer, he completed his high school internship as an engineering intern at Textron Aviation’s Wichita Service Center, where he gained invaluable experience and a clear vision for his future.

“One day, I’m going to be an engineer,” Israel said. “All it takes is the drive and the hard work to make it happen.”

Israel credits his brother, Jassiel, a line assembler for the Cessna Citation CJ3, for inspiring his journey to aviation. He encouraged Israel to join the Textron Aviation team for its supportive learning environment and college support programs. Israel discovered this and more at Textron Aviation.

Israel’s drive, though filtered by his humility, is evident. He is currently pursuing a mechanical engineering degree at Wichita State University. A recent favorite project of his — a digital clock change for a Cessna Citation Bravo — involved working with an all-new wiring drawing program. Although challenging, he found the learning process and collaboration with his coworkers fulfilling.

"It’s rewarding to be part of a team wholly dedicated to increasing the longevity of Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft,” he said. “I see myself having a future in this industry.” 

Without hesitation, Israel knows his internship experiences have provided a gateway to figuring out his future. Opportunities to shadow career experts helped him uncover his passion, and he wants to see other students like him succeed in the same way.

If you’re a student with big dreams, follow in Israel’s footsteps. Discover our student programs and launch your career today.