Kirkwood Community College and SkyWest Airlines are joining forces to give aviation maintenance technology students an opportunity for employment after graduation.
Representatives from the airline will visit the campus Monday, Sept. 25, to tour the facilities and speak to students about the company’s Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Pathway Program.
Industry leaders anticipate a major need for qualified aviation maintenance technicians in the coming years due to continued growth and an estimated high number of employee retirements. Because of this, Kirkwood Aviation Maintenance Technology graduates are expected to be in high demand.
As the largest regional airline carrier in the U.S., SkyWest operates more than 20 maintenance bases and line stations in 15 states. Students choosing to be in the program would immediately begin building company seniority, have access to current aviation maintenance personnel, and have a guaranteed interview for open positions once they complete their education and become certified aviation mechanics. More information about the program can be found at skywest.com.
The airline’s campus visit will begin in the classroom as company representatives will speak to students about the benefits of the program. With Kirkwood’s hangar under construction through the remainder of the year, the program is holding classes at the Kirkwood Continuing Education and Training Center. After the classroom visit, SkyWest will tour the program’s future home at the Eastern Iowa Airport.