A new report finds that technical schools have ample capacity to help fill a widening gap between the demand for qualified maintenance employees and the number of new employees joining the industry. Tapping into female markets and guiding more newly trained candidates to aviation jobs offer two strategies for boosting the mechanic population.
The report, based on a survey of aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTS) and data collected by ATEC, found that new entrants make up 2% of the AMT population annually, while 30% of the workforce is at or near retirement age. In the U.S., FAA-certified AMTS produce about 60% of new mechanics, with the military and on-the-job training accounting for the rest. As of mid-November, the aggregate enrollment at all AMTs was about 17,800 students, but their capacity is nearly 34,300.
“The need for new mechanics is steadily rising,” said Crystal Maguire, ATEC executive director. “Increasing enrollment should be a major focus of both the schools and the companies that rely on new mechanics to help support their operations.”
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One low-hanging fruit: attracting more female candidates. The FAA airman database includes 286,000 certificated mechanics. Females make up 2.3% of the certificate mechanic workforce, up from 1.7% in 2001.
While filling the pipeline is important, results from an ATEC survey conducted as part of its research reiterates the need for aviation to retain the graduates AMTS schools produce. AMTS respondents estimate that 20% of graduates pursue careers outside of aviation, and only 60% elect to take the FAA test for mechanic certification.
AMTS and industry recognize these challenges, and are better defining career paths for students through innovative partnerships. When asked about formal cooperative agreements with employers, 87% of AMTS respondents said they had relationships with industry companies, with repair station partnerships leading the way.
“Connections between schools and employers in their regions are among the most promising tactics for developing sustainable aviation maintenance workforce-development pipelines, and ATEC continues to support them in a number of ways,” said
ATEC President and Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology Vice President of Business Development and Aviation Advisor Ryan Goertzen
. “These collaborative partnerships are win-win: they help employers staff key positions, and serve as powerful recruitment tools for schools looking to boost enrollment.”
ATEC leads several grassroots efforts that connect aspiring technicians with employers. It has launched a series of networking events at its annual conference, and is supporting the Talent Solution Coalition, which connects schools and employers in specific workforce-development programs.
Other notable findings provided in the report:
- The average age of an FAA mechanic is 51, with 27% of the mechanic population age 64 and above.
- AMTS are expanding programs in response to specific industry needs; of respondents, 53% reported having technical programs outside the A&P. The fastest-growing non-A&P programs over the last two years were avionics and unmanned aircraft systems.
- Forty one percent of all individuals with an FAA mechanic certificate are employed by repair stations (50%), air carriers (45%), general aviation (4%) and AMTS (1%).
- Nearly 40% of all A&P students are enrolled at the 10 largest institutions. The AMTS community is therefore composed mostly of smaller institutions, with half of AMTS reporting fewer than 50 enrolled students.
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AMTS Regulatory News
FAA Seeks Feedback on Airframe Handbook
The FAA/industry Airman Certification Standards working group is gathering comments for incorporation into the next edition of the Airframe Handbook (FAA-H-8083-31A), expected to publish September 2018. Submit feedback to ATEC by Jan 20.
Read more.
FAA Invites Industry to Attend Inspector AMTS Course
The FAA Academy provides inspector training on the approval process and oversight responsibilities for aviation maintenance technician schools certificated under 14 CFR part 147. The three-day course is held at the FAA academy in Oklahoma City, the registration fee is $375. Seats are extremely limited, contact ATEC to reserve yours.
Read more.
Part 147 Rulemaking Update
In September, ATEC reported that the FAA would issue a supplemental notice of proposed rulemaking for part 147. While the supplement was not issued this fall as anticipated, agency officials have stated that the rulemaking is still in progress and is expected to publish "soon."
Read more.
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ATEC News
Fall 2017 Journal Published
In this issue: Do-it-yourself simulations for the classroom, reverse engineering technologies for aeronautical curriculum, and an examination of unmanned systems propulsion.
Read more.
Register for the Annual Conference
The council's premier event will take place March 17-20, 2017 in Washington. Check out the latest agenda and reserve your seat. Space is limited for select tours, register now to obtain positive space.
Read more.
Renew Membership
Membership renewals are due Jan. 1. Verify that your membership is in good standing for the new year, and check that "to do" off your list.
Read more.
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Call for Action
Nominations Open for Student, Educator of Year
ATEC is now accepting nominations for the James Reardon Aviation Maintenance Technician Student of the Year Award and the Ivan D. Livi Aviation Maintenance Educator of the Year Award. Nominations are due January 31.
Read more.
Distance Learning: Research Request
Faculty at Southern Illinois University and Middle Tennessee State University are conducting research to support the collective use of online course delivery and other computer-based training. Instructors are asked to participate in a short survey.
Read more.
Help a Fellow AMTS This Holiday Season
Puerto Rico Aviation Maintenance Institute sustained heavy damage during Hurricane Maria. Donations of surplus books and manuals are being accepted to reconstruct its library. For more information or to contribute to the effort, contact LaVern Phillips at
aimbusdev@aviationmaintenance.edu.
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Industry News
Northrop Rice Foundation Scholarship Applications Due Jan. 31
NRF provides financial, equipment, technical book, and tool support to AMT students, instructors, and schools. Several awards are available for 2018.
Read more.
Cape Cod Community College Graduates First Class of AMTs
Sixteen graduates completed the new program,
some prepare to begin work in the aviation industry, while others enroll for further study to complete their Associate in Applied Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance at the College.
Read more.
AeroProfessional Issues Recruitment Whitepaper
The publication claims 40% of aviation companies struggle to hire staff with the desired technical know-how, emphasizing the need for a recruitment strategy geared towards the digital age.
Read more.
Industry and Educators Come Together in Washington
The ATEC annual conference takes place March 17-20 in Washington. The council invites educators, administrators, career services personnel, designated mechanic examiners, company recruiters, and workforce development professionals to attend.
Read more
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HAI Releases Video Highlighting Careers in Helicopter Maintenance
The video targets potential maintenance technicians aiming to e
mbark on a dynamic, rewarding career.
Read more.
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The Aviation Technician Education Council
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