What's Happening?
Ryan Goertzen, president of Choose Aerospace, has highlighted the success of the organization's High School Program, which recently won the MRO Grand Laureate Award at Aviation Week's 2026 Laureate Awards. The program is designed to address the shortage
in the aviation maintenance workforce by equipping high school students with industry-recognized credentials and opportunities for early FAA mechanic certification. Since its inception in 2020, the program has reached nearly 2,000 students across 40 U.S. programs. A notable success story from the program includes a student from Putnam City High School who began learning aviation basics as a sophomore and has since secured full-time employment in the industry.
Why It's Important?
The Choose Aerospace High School Program plays a crucial role in addressing the growing demand for skilled aviation maintenance professionals in the U.S. By providing students with early exposure and certification opportunities, the program helps bridge the gap between education and industry needs. This initiative not only supports the aviation sector by ensuring a steady pipeline of qualified mechanics but also offers students viable career paths in a high-demand field. The program's success could serve as a model for other industries facing similar workforce shortages, highlighting the importance of early vocational training and industry partnerships in education.
What's Next?
As the program continues to expand, it is likely to influence educational and industry practices by demonstrating the effectiveness of early vocational training. Other sectors may look to replicate this model to address their own workforce challenges. Additionally, the program's success could lead to increased funding and support from both government and private sectors, further enhancing its reach and impact. Stakeholders in the aviation industry may also collaborate more closely with educational institutions to ensure that training programs align with evolving industry standards and technologies.
