(Pittsburgh Institute Aeronautics | Photo courtesy of Forbes/Pittsburgh Institute Aeronautics)
Pittsburgh Institute Aeronautics School for Aviation Maintenance (PIA) and United Airlines have announced a new partnership to provide eligible PIA students with a direct path to employment at United as aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs), a fast-growing field with high demand for new talent.
United’s new Calibrate Technician Pathway Program has established partnerships with the Aviation Command Unit of the U.S. Army Reserve, as well as three aviation maintenance schools: PIA, NAA, and AIM. Members from PIA joined the United Calibrate team for a formal signing ceremony at the United office at Willis Tower in Chicago to celebrate the launch of this partnership. Calibrate’s goal is to enroll up to 300 eligible students per year.
The Technician Pathway Program will be available to current PIA students who meet the program’s eligibility requirements. Participants must maintain a high GPA and strong attendance to remain in the hiring pool after graduation. Participants will have priority screening consideration and access to mentorship opportunities with employees from United’s 42 domestic Technical Operations stations. As part of the program, United will also participate in various open houses and career fairs at PIA.
“Being selected for this partnership gives us great pride and enhances our confidence that our graduates stand among the best entry-level A&P technicians in the country,” said Suzanne Markle, president of PIA. “We are excited to facilitate United’s Calibrate Technician Pathway Program and its opportunities for students at all four PIA campuses.”
With United expected to take delivery of 800 new aircraft between 2023 and 2032, the airline plans to hire thousands of new technicians by 2026 to support all the new planes entering its fleet. United has already hired more than 3,200 technicians domestically in the last 18 months.
“We are excited to welcome PIA to the Calibrate Technician Pathway Program and look forward to the mutual beneficial partnership current and future students will enjoy as a result of this new venture, said Simone Drakes, managing director of Calibrate at United. “PIA’s commitment to student success coupled with their values make them an ideal partner to help build United’s pipeline of aviation technicians.”
According to Boeing’s 2023-2042 Pilot and Technician Outlook, 125,000 new mechanics and avionics pros will need to join the field by 2042 to meet the growing needs of the U.S. aviation industry. Many of these openings are due to upcoming retirements, as ATEC estimates 38 percent of current aviation mechanics are at least 60 years of age. If these retirees aren’t replaced, airlines will be forced to reduce the number of flights they operate.
Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics projects about 13,000 annual job openings for aviation maintenance and avionics positions over the next decade. Aspiring technicians can enter this rewarding career field while incurring significantly less student loan debt than a traditional four-year college.
About Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics:
Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) is a nonprofit, career-focused institution offering hands-on aviation training since 1929. Recognized by Forbes as the Top Two-Year Trade School in the nation in 2018, PIA is proudly accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Experienced faculty enhance instruction with real-world scenarios and guide students through hands-on projects endorsed by PIA’s industry partners. Through a wide range of student and graduate services, a nationwide industry network, and a reputation for producing exemplary technicians for nearly a century, PIA graduates have the tools they need to be successful in the exciting world of aviation maintenance. Students attending the main campus in West Mifflin, PA, pursue Associate in Specialized Technology degrees in Aviation Maintenance and/or Aviation Electronics Technology. PIA’s campuses in Youngstown, OH; Hagerstown, MD; and Myrtle Beach, SC, feature targeted Aviation Maintenance diploma and certificate programs. There is open enrollment through the year accompanied with admissions requirements.
pia.edu • 1-800-444-1440
