Program Connects With Students, Faculty At Schools

The NBAA’s Maintenance Committee’s new Campus Connect program is addressing the growing demand for business aviation maintenance technicians by reaching out to students and faculty at their schools to highlight the industry and its benefits.

The committee will be on the campus of Purdue University January 14-16. This follows other events held at Western Michigan University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and other institutions that are feeder schools for business aviation.

Stewart D’Leon, NBAA director of environmental and technical operations, and committee liaison points out, “Hundreds of thousands of technicians will be needed across all sectors of the aviation industry in the coming years. This program enables us to engage directly with students, showcasing the diverse career opportunities in business aviation. It complements NBAA’s ‘Collegiate Connect’ initiative, where students nationwide attend our annual convention, NBAA-BACE, to explore the wide range of professional opportunities in the industry.”

During the program, the committee meets directly with students to present a discussion about the industry while allowing them to meet with committee members to hear directly from those already working in the field. Faculty members are encouraged to attend and are invited to committee events and a dinner.

Andrew Kiehl, committee chair and Purdue graduate said, “The Campus Connect program was developed from an idea the Maintenance Committee had, and has evolved into an initiative that reignites our passion to help the next generation.

He added, “The Maintenance Committee works hard to mentor and develop those coming after us, and by visiting schools around the country in conjunction with our committee meetings, we’re able to get in front of more students than ever. We’re not just opening doors; we’re also guiding curriculum, educating the students on the benefits of a career in business aviation, and ensuring our pipeline of talent entering the industry remains healthy.”

FMI:  nbaa.org/