School Joins With Indianapolis ACE For The Program

Careers in aviation will be promoted through a new partnership with the Indianapolis ACE (Aviation Career Education) Academy and the Vincennes University Aviation Technology Center, located at the Indianapolis International Airport.

Designed to introduce young people to careers in aviation through the ACE Academy, the partnership provides a pathway to educational and career opportunities in aviation maintenance and aviation flight through VU in Indianapolis and Republic Airways.

“Indianapolis ACE Academy values the quality education that students receive at the Vincennes University Aviation Technology Center, and wants to provide its camp attendees exposure to these educational opportunities,” said Ryan Lynch, director of ACE Academy.

Boosted by a $6 million renovation of the Aviation Technology Center completed last year, VU now features upgrades to education spaces, labs such as the flight simulator lab, new equipment, and amenities for its large hanger which is the home of a Boeing 737 that was donated for training in 1996. The ATC is the only school in the country with a fully functioning 737 under roof. Additional 737 engines are mounted beneath the mezzanine area, allowing students to remove and install actual 737 engines.

“With this renovation we can easily say we provide a one-of-a-kind training experience for our students,” said Michael Gehrich, director of VU aviation technology. “Our industry partners have taken notice of all that we offer as well. We have partnerships with companies such as Republic Airlines and Ameriflight, as well as an internship program with AAR, where our aviation maintenance students can work in the industry while they are completing their training here. Significantly, the ATC is the only school nationwide to have a co-op program with Fed Ex.”

“All of these partnerships help to ensure the placement of our graduates upon completion of their program. Demand for pilots remains strong and the Aviation Technology Center has experienced 100 percent placement of aviation maintenance graduates for several years, with graduates working for such companies as Rolls-Royce, Triumph Aviation, Textron, United, Comlux, and Muncie Aviation, in addition to Fed Ex, AAR and Republic,” Gehrich said.

(Source: Vincennes University news release)

FMI: www.vinu.edu