Delta Air Lines, the world’s second-largest airline, is partnering with Tarrant County College to help meet the extraordinary demand for aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs). TCC is one of 37 AMT schools in the nation selected by the airline to prepare for the hiring need.
AMTs service, repair and overhaul aircraft and aircraft components to keep them in safe flying condition. The 2018 Boeing Pilot & Technician outlook estimates that 754,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to maintain the world’s fleet over the next 20 years.
“The airline industry is experiencing steady growth. However, the critical issue of the AMT workforce is age and attrition,” explained Darrell Irby with TCC’s Aviation Department. “More than 50 percent of the AMT workforce is eligible for retirement today.”
TCC’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program—offered at the Erma C. Johnson Hadley Northwest Center of Excellence for Aviation, Transportation & Logistics at Fort Worth’s Alliance Airport—prepares students to take the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) exams for airframe and powerplant, the licenses required for AMTs. The College offers associate degrees and certificates in airframe and powerplant as well as certificates in advanced composite technology and avionics line maintenance. Graduates who earn FAA licensure as aircraft and powerplant mechanics can earn a starting salary of up to $60,000.
Delta’s criteria for selecting partner schools included assessment of equipment and facilities, level of hands-on training and quality of teaching. Through the partnership, Delta will provide resources including aircraft components and systems to be used as training aids along with technical data and lesson plans. Graduates will have enhanced opportunities to apply for positions with the company.
“By partnering directly with schools like Tarrant County College, Delta is providing direct support and real-world training to potential aviation professionals and creating a pipeline for Delta’s future AMT workforce,” said Joe McDermott, Delta’s managing director for cabin maintenance, training and support services.
“This agreement represents a unique opportunity for students to learn exactly what it takes to attain a career with one of the world’s largest airlines,” said Irby. “We are gratified to be able to offer students access to Delta’s resources and to continue to shape our training to meet the needs of the industry.”
For more information about TCC’s aircraft maintenance technician program, contact Irby at darrell.irby@tccd.edu or at 817-515-7250 or 817-515-7100.