SCTCC Aircraft Maintenance Program Closer to Takeoff

A new program at SCTCC is preparing to take flight.

On Wednesday, Oct. 2, the College announced an Industry Sector Funding Award of more than $1 million to fund the launch of an Aircraft Maintenance Technician Program, set to start in Fall 2026. 

The Minnesota State Industry Sector Funding Award is a one-time appropriation from the Minnesota Legislature, and $13.5 million was allocated to develop and expand industry sector programming over the 2024-2025 biennium. SCTCC’s $1 million+ award aligns with local and state industry needs; it will provide students with work-based learning experiences that lead to economic and social mobility after graduation. 

More than 80 community members, legislators, aviation representatives, and Minnesota State leaders gathered at the St. Cloud Regional Airport on Oct. 2 to hear from: 

• Metropolitan Airports Commissioner Patti Gartland, 
• SCTCC President Lori Kloos,  
• Minnesota State Chancellor Scott Olson,  
• Metropolitan Airports Commission CEO Brian Ryks,
• St. Cloud Regional Airport Board Chair Brian Myres, 
• Rep. Dan Wolgamott,
• Rep. Bernie Perryman,  
• Sen. Aric Putnam, and  
• Minnesota State Trustee Roger Moe. 

After a delayed flight out of the airport, the program started only five minutes later than scheduled, with all speakers commending the collaboration to bring the AMT program to SCTCC, which will boost the pipeline of skilled workforce in the region and Minnesota.

“The commitment of our legislative, business and industry, and community partners to advancing education, addressing critical workforce needs, and creating pathways for student success has been nothing short of extraordinary,” remarked President Lori Kloos.

The decision to bring the AMT program to SCTCC followed collaboration between the College, community partners, aviation industry members, and the Minnesota State system. SCTCC will be the fourth college in the state to offer this program, with the closest currently at Minneapolis College.

The College’s location was one of many reasons for bringing an AMT program to St. Cloud. With the proximity to the St. Cloud Regional Airport, MSP International Airport, and major transportation arteries in the St. Cloud region, offering the AMT A.A.S. degree further demonstrates that SCTCC is at the center of meeting the region’s growing workforce demands. With mechanics graduating from SCTCC, the subsequent job growth has potential to spur an additional economic boost in aviation and other sectors.

“This initiative is a testament to the power of collaboration between business, industry leaders, educators, and legislators to address the growing demand for skilled aviation professionals and very good paying jobs,” said Brian Ryks, Executive Director and CEO of the Metropolitan Airports Commission during his keynote address. “By investing in this program, we are ensuring that Minnesota continues to lead in aviation innovation while providing new career opportunities that aid aviation businesses across the state.”

It's not just the St. Cloud region that is seeing a demand for Aircraft Mechanics; the 2020-2030 projected job openings for this career in the state is 1,737, including retirement replacements. The pay is commensurate with demand: the starting hourly wage is $32, and after five years’ experience, mechanics can expect to make a yearly salary of $100,000. Graduates with simply a two-year degree have the skills and opportunity for economic and social mobility.

Next Steps

With aviation collaborators’ support, SCTCC is working toward the Fall 2026 start.

The Director of Aviation Maintenance, Zack Nicklin, started July 2024 with the task of implementing the next phases, including FAA accreditation, Minnesota State approval, HLC approval, hiring faculty, and preparing facilities and equipment for class delivery.

“With support from the Industry Sector Funding award, we will acquire essential training equipment, empowering our local workforce with high-quality education and a pathway to rewarding careers that benefit both our community and the aviation industry,” Nicklin shared.

SCTCC and the St. Cloud Regional Airport are working closely together on a solution for hands-on learning at the airport, which is taking shape as a hangar. The Industry Sector Funding award has given the College the jump-start needed to get AMT off the ground, and the program will be ready for students with additional funding and donations.  

What does an aircraft mechanic do?

SCTCC needs to be federally certified by the FAA under part 147 in airframe and powerplant, which means graduates will have the ability to service an aircraft’s body, engine, landing gear, and electrical systems. Airframe refers to the body of an aircraft and powerplant refers to the engine.

These maintenance technicians are generalists and know the entire aircraft to ensure safe take off, airtime, and landing. In addition to regular maintenance, they diagnose, test, and repair systems and components of the aircraft.

Colleges that are FAA certified provide knowledge and skills for careers in the aviation maintenance industry. Graduates of these programs are eligible to test for a mechanic certificate airframe and powerplant rating, a test at the federal level with written, oral, and practical sections. These tests are not easy; the 2023 average pass rate for the test was a little more than 72%. SCTCC students, however, do not back down from a challenge. Generally, our graduates pass certification tests at a much higher rate than state and national averages.

Looking ahead

“What we are doing here is unique – not something that just any institution can make happen – and it’s an amazing opportunity for future students,” said Steve Hoemberg, Dean of Skilled Trades & Industry. “Standing up an AMT program requires the perfect mix of college capacity, stakeholder support, and program leadership. All those elements are coming together nicely right now, and we are in a great position to add something really special to SCTCC and our community overall. It’s a great time to be here at SCTCC!”

Starting a new program takes collaboration that SCTCC is excited to share as the College moves along this path. The following have been instrumental in bringing AMT to fruition: Greater St. Cloud Development Corporation, St. Cloud Regional Airport Authority, Minneapolis-St. Paul Airport, Delta Air Lines, Sun Country Airlines, Cirrus Aircraft, and other aviation industry partners.

“This is a kind of a proof of concept that when a bunch of folks envision an opportunity and they work together, something can happen,” commented Minnesota State Chancellor, Scott Olson. “The sky’s the limit.”

While the small details may change, SCTCC is optimistic in its plan to welcome the first AMT class in August 2026.