New Aviation Technology Program launches at Texarkana College

TEXARKANA, Texas (KSLA) – A new program has taken off at Texarkana College after three years of planning.

On Monday (Jan. 13), the college cut the ribbon on the new Aviation Mechanics Technology program. The inaugural class has already begun. The ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at the college’s hangar at Texarkana Regional Airport.

Leaders at the school said there’s a big need for aviation mechanics. Instructor Brandon Sanders said Boeing is projecting a shortage of around 143,000 mechanics in North America over the next 20 years.

FROM TEXARKANA COLLEGE:

“This program offers a promising career path in the field of aircraft mechanics. With pay rates starting at $40 per hour, this program equips students with the expertise and skill necessary for a high-paying job. Skilled mechanics are in demand in various regions, allowing you to travel while working on state-of-the-art aircraft technology.

“Texarkana College’s Aviation Mechanics Technology program allows students to get their certification to work on airplane engines and frames in just one year. This means they can start working in the commercial aviation industry quickly. A&P technicians are trained to do lots of different tasks on airplanes, like fixing engines, working with advanced technology, and repairing the outside of the plane. They can work on all kinds of airplanes, from small ones to big commercial ones. They can also inspect airplanes and do maintenance to keep them working well. A lot of A&P technicians start out doing hands-on work and then move up to management jobs where they make important decisions about maintenance. The job outlook for these technicians is good, with more job opportunities expected in the coming years. The average salary for an A&P technician is $70,000, but in commercial aviation, they can make even more.”

“There is not a good pipeline to create more mechanics to fill those needs, so these guys are guaranteed a good job when they get their certificate in their hands,” Sanders said.

Alex Luke, of New Boston, is one of 20 students in the inaugural class.

“I’ve done a lot of different jobs throughout my life so far, but nothing has really taken off. But this is the first time I feel like I have a real opportunity to start a good quality career,” Luke said.

“Right now, if you are AEP, you walk on Southwest Airlines, you are going to make around $86,000 a year, and that’s pretty much industry standard before overtime,” Sanders said.

Leaders at the college started researching the program after being approached by Paul Mehrlich, director of Texarkana Regional Airport. Mehrlich said this program should contribute to the economic growth of the airport and the entire region.

“What this is going to provide for us is a work force here at Texarkana where we can create these mechanics and bring companies that need mechanics here,” he said. “So this is going to allow us the catalyst that then turns into jobs for our community.”

It takes one year of training to become a certified aviation mechanic.

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