PIA School for Aviation Maintenance will host a career exploration event at 11 a.m. Aug. 16. The event will take place at its Hagerstown campus, 14516 Pennsylvania Ave., Hagerstown.
The demand for skilled aviation mechanics is high due to a nationwide labor shortage, according to a community announcement. The employment rate for Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics’ Hagerstown campus graduates is 91%. Top employers in the region include Boeing Washington, Spirit Airlines, Gulfstream, Republic Airways and CommuteAir.
A recent Pipeline Report by the Aviation Technical Education Council shows that while the number of new aviation mechanics has increased, entry rates are still expected to fall below the minimum needed to meet nationwide demand by 2028. The Boeing Technician Outlook North America indicates that 123,000 new technicians will be needed between 2024 and 2042.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a median annual wage of $79,140 for aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians. PIA graduates typically start their careers with salaries ranging from $52,832 to $63,648, allowing them to enter the field with less student loan debt compared to traditional four-year college graduates.
The event will provide attendees with the opportunity to connect with aviation maintenance employers, tour the campus, learn about the 16-month program, view interactive demonstrations, meet faculty and interact with current students. This aligns with the growing interest among young adults in pursuing careers in the trades, with nearly half expressing interest in skill-based employment that offers meaningful advancement opportunities.
Aviation technicians acquire a specialized skillset that is essential across various fields, including corporate and commercial aviation, military, aircraft manufacturing, cargo, medical transport, drones and aerospace.