HAGERSTOWN, Md. — The newest aviation mechanic graduates are getting us uplifted as they get set to provide a crucial piece of aviation safety.
While rewarding opportunities for recent graduates in many fields are becoming harder to come by, for the latest class of graduates from the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics School for Aviation Maintenance (PIA), the job offers came flying in even before they finished their training.
Last week, 25 aircraft maintenance technicians, or AMTs, completed their education at the Hagerstown campus.
With 1 in 3 current AMTs almost ready to retire, a nationwide shortage of these technicians exists making this a field full of opportunity. And one that leads employment rates at more than 90% and starting salaries up to $58,000 in their first industry jobs.
What's more is aspiring is that technicians incur significantly less student loan debt than those attending a four year college.
PIA students learn to inspect, repair and maintain aircraft and their components. Avionics technicians and AMTs learn specialized skills vital to diverse fields that include everything from corporate and commercial aviation to military and medical transport.