On April 18, St. Cloud area legislators met at SCTCC to check out the two airplanes that are on campus and learn about the progress that’s been made on the Aircraft Maintenance Technician program.
Sen. Aric Putnam, Rep. Bernie Perryman, and Rep. Dan Wolgamott toured the AMT space, and Wolgamott sat in the planes along with his daughter. Program director Zack Nicklin explained how the planes got in the building (they took off the wings) and the basics of the program requirements.
“I enjoyed visiting with our state legislators and sharing the exciting progress we’ve made as we launch this new aviation maintenance program,” said Nicklin. “Their continued support for SCTCC, and educational programs statewide, is critical to keeping Minnesota competitive. Aviation maintenance offers a unique and essential career pathway that can help drive economic growth, create high-quality jobs, and ensure the continued safety and efficiency of our transportation infrastructure.”
The program courses are set and the paperwork for curriculum approval is at the Minnesota State system office for approval. Additionally, the program needs FAA approval, and that has also been submitted. When the FAA approval comes back depends on several factors, but Nicklin is hoping to see both approvals in the next six months.
After approvals, the next step includes hiring a faculty member to teach the classes, which are set to start Fall 2026. AMT will offer an AAS and diploma option, and SCTCC will offer the lowest credit load of all available programs in the state. Over the course of their education, students will have the opportunity to take mechanic certificate tests through the FAA.
The program will provide toolboxes for students’ first year in AMT; they will need to purchase toolboxes for their second year, which they then have for their professional career. This alleviates a cost barrier for entering first years and provides less expense if they decide that AMT is not the career path for them.
Graduates from the program will have the knowledge and skills to enter the aviation maintenance industry as a generalist. They will know the entire aircraft to ensure safe take off, airtime, and landing. They also diagnose, test, and repair systems and components of the aircraft, including body, engine, landing gear, and electrical systems.
The job outlook for Aircraft Mechanics is good – the 2020-2030 DEED projected openings in Minnesota is 1,737, including retirement replacements. The starting hourly wage is typically $32, and after five years’ experience, mechanics could be making $100,000 yearly.