Nurturing Future Aviation Technicians in Oklahoma's Skies
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AAR CORP hosted an internship graduation ceremony for the 10 high school students who spent their summer learning about aviation and career opportunities at the Company’s Oklahoma City location.
During the 10-week internship program, students participated in on-the-job training and benefited from mentorship from AAR’s team leaders. AAR and Choose Aerospace developed this high school internship program to foster interest in careers in the industry.
“They worked hard this summer and gained valuable knowledge in aviation maintenance. This internship’s success is truly a collaborative effort,” said Levi Lentz, General Manager of AAR’s airframe MRO facility in Oklahoma City.
Oklahoma Representative Stephanie Bice; Grayson Ardies, State Director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission; Brett Haken, State Director of Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education; and Denise Hensley, Career & Technology Coordinator for Putnam City Schools also shared encouraging remarks. Each played a vital role in shaping future opportunities available to the students.
Ardies explained, “Our aerospace education initiatives are essential in addressing workforce challenges and ensuring that Oklahoma remains a leader in the aerospace industry. The dedication of our educators and the enthusiasm of students is the key to our success.” Ardies continued, “Oklahoma is offering students an introductory look to the industry and prepares them with STEM concepts that are fundamental to their future careers. We are seeing students who have an interest in aerodynamics, now choosing aerospace engineering when they go off to college. We have students who are mechanically inclined now pursuing their aircraft technician certifications, and students who were not seeking private pilot certifications are now exploring support roles in the industry. We are learning from our teachers and students that Aerospace is open for everyone.”
“Inspiring high school students to pursue a career in the aviation industry is critical to meeting the workforce challenges that exist today,” shared Ryan Goertzen, AAR’s Vice President of Workforce Development. “Internship programs like ours create the needed pipelines to meet current and future demand for aviation maintenance technicians.”
