Demand for new aviation workforce fuels AAR, Vincennes University partnership - External Relations
Demand for new aviation workforce fuels AAR, Vincennes University partnership
January 31, 2019 / Demand for new aviation workforce fuels AAR,
Vincennes University partnership
LINK to photo, click HERE
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. - AAR (NYSE: AIR), a global provider of
aviation services, and Vincennes University (VU) today announced their
new aviation maintenance education and training partnership to further
enhance instruction as well as student job experiences and career
prospects at AAR upon graduation.
AAR’s EAGLE Career Pathway program will expand the curriculum
of VU’s aviation maintenance technology program to include job
shadowing and mentoring, as well as academic support and monitoring.
VU students who pursue the FAA-certified aircraft mechanic’s
certificate are eligible for up to $15,000 in tuition reimbursements
from AAR.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb joined John Holmes, AAR president and
CEO, Chuck Johnson, president of Vincennes University, and
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett for the official announcement on
Thursday at VU’s Aviation Training Center, located at the Indianapolis
International Airport.
“I’m proud to support this partnership that complements our
goal to strengthen our workforce and equip Hoosiers to fill the
high-wage, high-demand jobs throughout our state,” Gov. Holcomb said.
“Together AAR and Vincennes University will help students take their
education and skills into a fulfilling career.”
AAR’s partnership with VU is one of many ways the company is
connecting students with education and real-world job experience to
fill the gaps in aviation for middle skills that do not require a
bachelor’s degree. There is demand for 189,000 new mechanics in North
America through 2037, according to a Boeing study. But aircraft
maintenance technicians (AMTs) are already in short supply.
“There are significant opportunities for government, business
and educators to collaborate to resolve the industry’s workforce
challenges,” Holmes said. “At AAR, we are encouraged by the enthusiasm
and support we’ve received in Indiana and across the Midwest to
provide greater access to training for jobs that are available now.”
VU and the state are pushing to grow Indiana’s workforce and
are focusing on developing workers for high-priority industries and
in-demand, high-paying jobs. Holcomb’s Next Level Jobs program is part
of the Next Level Jobs Indiana initiative. The multifaceted approach
provides reimbursements to Indiana employers for training employees in
high-demand fields. The Workforce Ready grants allow Hoosiers to
receive tuition-free certificates from VU in flourishing sectors of
Indiana’s economy, including advanced manufacturing, building and
construction, health and life sciences, information technology and
business services, and transportation and logistics. VU offers 47
qualifying programs, including two in aviation maintenance technology
in Indianapolis.
“Vincennes University is proud of the long and successful
association we have had with AAR, and with this new announcement we
are taking the partnership to the next level,” said Johnson of
Vincennes. “This program combines a great company in a key industry
sector whose economic impact is growing in central Indiana and
throughout our state, with VU’s tradition of producing the highest
quality aviation technicians. Further, we are grateful for the
opportunity to help more Hoosiers acquire the training, education and
skills they need by leveraging the funds available through the
governor’s Next Level Jobs program.”
AAR is introducing the EAGLE Career Pathway at schools near its
five U.S. aircraft repair stations. EAGLE demonstrates how students
can earn portable, stackable skills leading to multiple career paths
at AAR. The stackable skills will enable interested students to pursue
the coveted position of FAA-certified airframe and powerplant
(A&P) mechanic.
About Vincennes University Aviation Technology Center
The 92,000-square-foot facility has two hangars and 15
aircraft, including a fully functional Boeing 737-200, as well as two
full-motion flight simulators and two stationary simulators. Students
can earn a FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate along
with either an Associate of Applied Science Degree or Associate of
Science Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology in just 20 months.
Students training to become commercial pilots can earn private,
instrument, commercial, and multi-engine ratings along with an
Associate Degree in Aviation Flight. More information is available at
www.aviationtechcenter.com or by calling 317-381-6000.
About AAR
AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions
company that employs more than 6,000 people in more than 20 countries.
Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and
government customers through two operating segments: Aviation Services
and Expeditionary Services. AAR’s Aviation Services include parts
supply; OEM solutions; integrated solutions; maintenance, repair,
overhaul; and engineering. AAR’s Expeditionary Services include
mobility systems and composite manufacturing operations. Additional
information can be found at www.aarcorp.com.
LINK to VU Online Newsroom, click HERE
AAR Media contact: Daniela Pietsch, Vice President Corporate
Marketing & Communications, editor@aarcorp.com or +1 630-227-5100.
VICKIE PUFFER, Communications Coordinator & Online Newsroom
Manager
812-888-4162 office, 812-887-4635 cell,
VUNews@vinu.edu, vpuffer@vinu.edu
MARCIA MARTINEZ, University
Life Reporter & Sports Information Director
812-888-4164
office, 314-599-1519 cell, VUNews@vinu.edu, mmartinez@vinu.edu
VINCENNES UNIVERSITY, Department of University Relations, www.vinu.edu/newsroom