LOS ANGELES INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (LAX) –  Xcel Mechanical Systems partnered with Los Angeles World Airports, other LAWA-selected MATOC Prime contractors and several public agencies to engage hundreds of high school students from across the region during LAWA’s 2025 Aviation Career Day, held here on October 30.

LAWA’s Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) is a $5 billion LAX modernization program approved by the L.A. City Council earlier this year. MATOC features a list of pre-identified, pre-funded projects that will be awarded to and completed by 31 “MATOC Primes” that were prequalified to complete the work during an exhaustive outreach, submission and selection process.

Much of the work is to be completed prior to the 2028 Summer Olympic Games. Xcel Mechanical was the only Design Build mechanical contractor selected.

The MATOC structure is intended to support local hiring, workforce development and participation by small and diverse businesses within the airport’s “Impact Zone” as part of the airport’s long-term modernization strategy. Another program goal is to engage local high school students and accelerate interest in careers in aerospace, aviation, engineering and construction.

A range of industry representatives participated in the event to outline pathways into apprenticeships and related technical careers. Exhibitors also described the functions of mechanical systems in airport operations and modernization projects.

The event held just outside of LAX’s Flight Path Museum welcomed high school students  from Culver City, El Segundo, Westchester, Hawthorne, Inglewood and others schools throughout the Los Angeles Unified School District. They visited interactive booths, toured exhibits and observed demonstrations highlighting roles in engineering, airport operations, mechanical systems, public safety, project management and skilled trades.

LAWA officials said the event showcases the agency’s commitment to building a diverse, locally rooted workforce that supports the region’s growing aviation sector.

LAWA’s current and future projects include campus-wide terminal, utility and system upgrades in preparation for the Summer Olympics. The selected contractors are expected to complete all identified architectural, structural, construction and mechanical needs across active airport facilities while adhering to strict operational and safety requirements.