To help fill the growing number of job openings in the field of aviation maintenance, Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) and SkyWest have announced a new, elite partnership. The SkyWest AMT Pathway Program offers PIA students training in Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) the chance to jumpstart their career while they’re still in school.
SkyWest is partnering with PIA in Pittsburgh, Youngstown, Myrtle Beach and Hagerstown. Through the SkyWest AMT Pathway Program, students can receive mentorship, hands-on experience, and a direct pathway to a career in commercial aviation. They are also eligible for up to $7,600 in financial aid, including:
- Up to $4,500 in education assistance.
- Up to $1,600 in A&P test fee reimbursements.
- Up to $1,500 in moving expense reimbursements, plus mileage.
- Guaranteed final interview to become an A&P mechanic at SkyWest.
- Enhanced SkyWest seniority for benefits like health insurance, profit-sharing programs, and travel.
To be eligible for the program, candidates must be attending PIA and be in good standing. Unlike an internship, the program allows students to remain at PIA to complete their training until they are able to gain their A&P license.
“Due to high demand for new AMTs, forward-thinking employers like SkyWest are no longer waiting for candidates to come to them. Instead, they are creating high-value educator-employer partnerships like the AMT Pathway Program to actively invest in and support talented students with a direct route to entry-level employment,” said Suzanne Markle, president and CEO of PIA.
“We are excited to be partnering with PIA and to provide more opportunities for their AMT students to get started with their aviation careers,” said Joe Sigg, SkyWest VP of maintenance. “Plus, the benefits of the SkyWest AMT Pathway Program, including the financial support, make it easier for students to enter this important career field.”
According to Boeing’s 2022-2041 Pilot and Technician Outlook, 134,000 new mechanics and avionics professionals will need to join the field over the next 20 years to meet the growing needs of the aviation industry. Many of these openings are due to upcoming retirements, as ATEC estimates 38% of current aviation mechanics are at least 60 years of age.
To learn more about PIA’s AMT program, visit https://pia.edu/. For related content, see feature story starting on Page 16 called “Help Really, Really Wanted” about the shortage of aviation maintenance workers.