Program Connects Students With Hands-On Experience, Apprenticeships, & Jobs

Students in the aviation maintenance technician programs at Snead State Community College are getting a leg up on their peers through a collaboration between Snead State’s Alabama Aviation College and ACE Aeronautics of Guntersville, Alabama.

Snead State’s Aviation College is located at Albertville Regional Airport (8A0) while ACE Aero is just a few miles up the road at Guntersville Municipal (8A1).

The collaboration is providing students with valuable career opportunities to bridge the gap between education and workforce development. Snead State students can interview with ACE to obtain positions working on advanced military aircraft. The skilled jobs give students rare opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

ACE Aeronautics has expanded significantly with its Guntersville location doubling in size in just the past few years. The company specializes in total aircraft modifications including military helicopters.

Rich Enderle of ACE emphasized the significance of the partnership, saying, “We’re growing rapidly, and having skilled mechanics from Snead State is a huge asset. These students come prepared, and the work they do matters. The life of the pilot depends on it.”

He added, “This partnership is a win for everyone. The students gain experience, and we get passionate, skilled workers who are eager to learn.”

Nick Sauls, Snead State Director of Aviation said, “To have so many of our students utilize the opportunity provided by ACE is a huge deal. This is the first time we’ve had so many aviation students working in the industry in Marshall County. I’m proud that this partnership has proven successful, and I’m excited to see where this opportunity takes our students.”

FMI:  snead.edu/ , aceaero.com/