Job Corps’ First Aviation Pathway Opens in Texas

The U.S. Department of Labor’s North Texas Job Corps Center will partner with US Aviation Academy to train the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians via a new Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Advanced Training Program. The new program’s first cohort of 10 students begins classes in November.

The North Texas Job Corps Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Advanced Training Program offers free training to income-eligible Texas residents ages 18–24 who have completed a foundational Job Corps training program. Preference is given to students who have completed a construction or automotive industry program.

Job Corps’ first aviation pathway is a fast-track program, with 12 months of instruction in general, airframe and powerplant courses instead of the typical 24 months. It is one of only seven schools in the United States that offer a 12-month aviation maintenance training program, according to program partner AAR CORP., a provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators. Graduates are qualified and eligible to gain an Airframe and Powerplant license upon graduation with no other training or apprenticeship required.

“Over the last year, AAR, Job Corps and US Aviation Academy have remained laser-focused on creating this transformational opportunity for students in North Texas,” said Ryan Goertzen, VP, Maintenance Workforce Development at AAR. “This initiative builds on AAR’s very successful EAGLE Career Pathway Program and enables students from across the 121 Job Corps centers to secure careers in aviation maintenance with AAR.”

The Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook Study for 2022 shows a global need for 610,000 technicians, with 134,000 being in North America. With heavy industry growth and demand, AAR approached North Texas Job Corps and US Aviation Academy to create a partnership to positively impact the aviation workforce.

“This partnership will provide the graduates an excellent career opportunity as an FAA-licensed airframe and powerplant mechanic while helping address the critical labor shortage in the aviation industry,” said Mike Sykes, CEO at US Aviation.

The Airframe and Powerplant Mechanics Advanced Training Program is the first aviation program available at a Job Corps campus and is available only at the North Texas Job Corps Center in McKinney, Texas.

Job Corps is free for economically disadvantaged students who meet the eligibility requirements, and students can apply and enroll at any time. Job Corps provides hands-on career skills training, on-campus housing, meals, health care and job search assistance. Applicants may qualify if they receive SNAP, TANF, or free or reduced school lunch, or if they are experiencing homelessness or are a foster youth.