American Airlines, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools announce career partnership
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and American Airlines announced a new partnership to address an aviation industry staffing shortage nationwide.
“They’re saying that there’s anywhere between 15,000 to 20,000 mechanics shortage in the country,” said Alex Diaz, the Campus Executive Director for the Aviation Insititute of Maintenance.
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The partnership creates a dual-enrollment program for Juniors and Seniors in the CMS system.
Up to 50 students will be put on a direct path to becoming aviation maintenance technicians for American Airlines and its regional carriers while also earning credit toward their diploma.
“Having a lifelong meaningful career, it’s a win-win for everybody involved,” Diaz said.
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The dual-enrollment program was officially introduced at an open house on Saturday with a take-off timeline set for the new school year.
Participants will complete courses with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance at no cost and gain access to American Airlines’ maintenance facilities.
The track accelerates students’ Federal Aviation Administration certification by five months.
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