Today we’re celebrating Aviation Maintenance Technician Day, which recognizes the efforts of MRO staff behind the scenes who keep aircraft flying safely. In an industry that continues to struggle with attracting and retaining enough qualified workforce, it’s more important than ever to highlight aviation maintenance technicians (AMT) and demonstrate all the career path opportunities the MRO industry provides. For today’s MRO Digest, we’re sharing stories from interesting and accomplished AMTs from all stages of this path, ranging from those just starting their careers to experienced professionals who have taken unique journeys in the industry:
- Two AMTs who transitioned from roles in the industry to teaching the next generation at a unique school in Ohio that helps high schoolers obtain diplomas, A&P licenses and college associate degrees simultaneously.
- Two young women from this year's winning school team at the Aerospace Maintenance Competition, who are exploring the AMT path after initially pursuing careers in nursing and aerospace engineering.
- A former AMT who has worked his way up to a VP role at one of the largest airlines in the U.S.
- A recent recipient of the Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award—and Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award—who has worked for more than 50 years in roles ranging from the shop floor to the classroom to Capitol Hill.
We hope these AMTs’ stories will inspire our readers as much as they inspired us.