Funding Given to Foster Next Generation of Aviation Maintenance Personnel

The US Department of Transportation has awarded $5 million in grants in an effort to "develop a diverse talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians," ahead of a forecasted shortfall in qualified personnel in the coming years.

The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant is awarded to those organizations that teach technical skills and prepare participants for future careers in aviation maintenance. 

This iteration of grants has gone to a variety of locations, ranging from school districts, community colleges, training facilities, universities, and even state departments of education and transportation. One DC-area organization, the International brotherhood of Teamsters, got one of the larger donations at $450,000. The majority of grants range from $200,000 up to $500,000,money which is earmarked for new educational programs, scholarships, apprenticeships, and job preparation. Recipients are also allowed to conduct outreach about careers in the maintenance industry to primary through post-secondary school students, as well as support economically disadvantaged student populations in establishing a base for their AMT career. 

“A career as an aviation maintenance technician opens a wide world of opportunity. These grants will allow us to reach and support individuals who may not have had the chance to pursue this exciting career before,” FAA Deputy Administrator A. Bradley Mims said.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.faa.gov/about/office_org/headquarters_offices/ang/grants/awd/awards