$5 million granted to train next generation of mechanics

The FAA has awarded $5 million in Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants to organizations that will teach technical skills and prepare students to pursue aviation maintenance careers.

“A career as an aviation maintenance technician opens a wide world of opportunity. These grants will allow us to reach and support individuals who may not have had the chance to pursue this exciting career before,” FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims said.

Grant recipients include:

• Macon County School District, Tuskegee, Ala.: $425,000
• Pima County Community College District, Tucson, Ariz.: $490,000
• North Orange County Community College District, Anaheim, Calif.: $250,000
• San Bernardino Community College District, San Bernardino, Calif.: $400,000
• International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Washington, D.C.: $450,000
• DLK Aviation Inc., Kennesaw, Ga.: $250,000
• Iowa Western Community College, Council Bluffs, Iowa: $475,000
• Southern University at Shreveport, Shreveport, La.: $500,000
• Dutchess Community College, Fairview, N.Y.: $450,000
• Guilford County School System, High Pint, N.C.: $45,500
• Columbus State Community College, Columbus, Ohio: $250,000
• Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla.: $450,000
• Pennsylvania College of Technology, Williamsport, Penn.: $214,500
• South Carolina Department of Education, Charleston, S.C.: $250,000
• Wisconsin Department of Transportation, Madison, Wis.: $100,000

The funds can be used to establish new educational programs; provide scholarships or apprenticeships for individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance industry; conduct outreach about careers in the aviation maintenance industry to primary, secondary and post-secondary school students; and support educational opportunities related to aviation maintenance in economically disadvantaged areas.

Go to the FAA website for additional details about the grant recipients.

The FAA also recently awarded $5 million in grants to train pilots.