By Laura O’Neill

Pearl River Community College has expanded its Career and Technical Education offerings with the Spring 2024 launch of Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) at the new Hancock Campus Hangar in Kiln. The program begins at a time when industry experts project a shortage of technicians so this new pathway will help bolster local workforce opportunities.

“A survey of PRCC’s local workforce in Hancock County indicated a significant need for aviation mechanics projecting the potential hire of 60 graduates, particularly at the technician level, over the next few years,” said Dean of Career and Technical Education – Poplarville/Hancock Dr. Amy Townsend. “Statewide, Mississippi has projected a need for 50 additional jobs by 2030 with an entry-level projected yearly income of $45,000. Our fully certified Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Maintenance Technology program will certainly help to meet this growing workforce need.”

Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) provides comprehensive training in aircraft engine and system inspection, repair, and servicing. This program introduces
students to crucial theories in aviation maintenance and aircraft systems, preparing them thoroughly for FAA exams to obtain their Aircraft Maintenance Technician Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) rating.

The FAA-certified AMTs play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and efficiency of U.S.-registered aircraft. Covering topics such as physics, aerodynamics,
engines, structures, and more for both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft, the curriculum integrates classroom theory with hands-on hangar training on FAA certified aircraft. Certification is achieved through FAA-approved training, hands-on experience, and
successful testing.

“The field of aviation is a high-demand, fast-growing area that provides exciting and rewarding career opportunities for students,” said Program Director
and Instructor of Aviation Maintenance Technology Nick Ramjattan. “AMT professionals are needed across the region and internationally in both commercial and industrial aviation fields as the need for more technical skills remains at an all-time high for this
generation.

“Students will be able to train in a hands-on, high-tech classroom that will prepare them for the competencies and requirements of the aviation industry.
This program aims to have future graduates move from the classroom into entry-level AMT positions ready to fill the worker gap in the aviation industry.”

The
United
States Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an average of 4 percent growth for overall employment of aircraft and avionics equipment
mechanics and technicians until 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations. However,
Oliver
Wyman envisions a gap in North America between the supply of mechanics and other aircraft maintenance workers and demand for
them of between 8% and 12%. Their survey and government data indicate as much as 35% of the current workforce is 55 to 64 years old, putting more than one-third at or near retirement.

Opportunities for careers include but are not limited to: Aircraft Maintenance Technician, General Aviation Aircraft Mechanic, Oil & Gas Helicopter Mechanic,
Airlines Flight Line Mechanic, Aircraft Restorer, Turbine Maintenance Technician, NDT Maintenance Technician, UAV Maintenance Technician, Ballons and Airship Maintenance Technician. For the
Gulfport-Biloxi-Pascagoula
Metropolitan Statistical Area, the average starting wage is $51,070 per year, with the overall average wage at $66,230.
Nationally,
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians earn an average of $70,740.

APPLYING TO THE PRCC PROGRAM

If you are interested in the AMT program, visit
prcc.edu/academics/career-technical-education/stem/aviation-maintenance/
to begin the process. After applying to PRCC, interested individuals must complete a program-specific application and interview for acceptance into the program.

The first cohort is capped at twenty students and will include scholarship money to cover tuition and fees for their first semester. The AMT program is
located at the PRCC Hancock Aviation Aerospace Workforce Academy – 13915 Fred and Al Key Road, Kiln, MS 39556. Classes meet Monday through Thursday 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

For the latest news on Pearl River Community College, visit PRCC.edu and follow us on Twitter (@PRCC_Wildcats),
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and Facebook (@PRCCMKTG).