Articles

HCC wins prized FAA aviation workforce grant

Apr 5, 2024

Houston Community College (HCC) has won a $430,000 Aviation Workforce Development Grant from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The grant will allow the college to establish a comprehensive aviation maintenance technician program that addresses the growing demand for skilled aviation technicians in the region.

“Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians play a vital role in repairing and performing scheduled maintenance on aircraft,” said Dr. Michael Webster, HCC associate vice chancellor of Workforce Instruction. “When it is in place, students in our new program will receive hands-on training and theoretical knowledge to become proficient in aircraft maintenance and repairs.”

By partnering with industry experts and utilizing state-of-the-art facilities, HCC will create a robust curriculum that prepares students for FAA certification and successful careers in the aviation maintenance field.

The aviation industry offers promising opportunities for skilled technicians. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians as of May 2022 just over $70,000. Overall employment is forecast to grow four percent from 2022 to 2032 with almost 13,000 annual openings for aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians.

The FAA grant is part of $13.5 million distributed to institutions across the nation to encourage people to become technicians and aviators.

“HCC is honored to be among the recipients, and we are committed to creating a state-of-the-art program to serve our region,” said Chancellor Margaret Ford Fisher, Ed.D. “We’re excited about this new endeavor that will provide the real-world education and practical skills that technicians in this important industry must obtain to succeed.”

HCC will release additional information about the program as it becomes a reality.