EFSC s Aviation Program Recognized for Excellence

Eastern Florida State College has been honored for its Aviation Maintenance Technology program that is creating a pipeline of highly skilled workers for the Space Coast’s growing aviation industry.

The recognition came in a Chancellor’s Best Practice Award from the Florida College System for what officials called “innovation and excellence in launching exciting careers in aviation.”

Eastern Florida President Dr. Jim Richey said the program reflects the college’s commitment to working closely with industry and business partners on a central goal:

Providing students with new educational opportunities that can lead to good jobs after graduation, with companies reaping the benefits of gaining skilled employees.

“The aviation program stands out for what can happen when vision is combined with workforce needs to give people great careers and help our local economy,” said Richey.

“That’s even more exciting when you consider the program is ramping up to instruct more students to meet the demand at area aviation companies.”

The college began the program in 2015 at its new Aviation Center at Melbourne International Airport to help fuel the growth of the airport’s rapidly expanding commercial aviation sector.

Students split their time between the classroom and “hands-on” work in a hangar fully equipped with aircraft, engines and machine tools in Federal Aviation Administration approved courses.

The program graduated its first class in August with students enjoying job prospects with companies such as Embraer, AAR and others at the airport.

Graduates also have job opportunities at companies such as SpaceX, Boeing and Blue Origin that are launching the next-generation of human spaceflight at Kennedy Space Center.

Jobs in aircraft maintenance, repair and refurbishment average $55,200 annual salary.

Three other state colleges also received a Chancellor’s Best Practice Award during the Association of Florida Colleges’ 68th Annual Meeting and Conference in Palm Harbor.

They are Valencia College, Santa Fe College and Tallahassee Community College.

“I applaud our colleges for their commitment to excellence and innovation in our system,” said Florida College System Chancellor Madeline Pumariega.

“It is this commitment that keeps the Florida College System in the forefront as a national leader in higher education.”

To learn more about Eastern Florida’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program, visit easternflorida.edu/go/aviation