A new partnership between TCC and American Airlines is giving aircraft maintenance students updated training resources and a clear path toward employment, while aiming to boost the economy in the process.
A memorandum of understanding was approved over the summer by TCC’s Board of Trustees, formalizing the agreement.
NW aviation instructor Anthony Tipa worked at American Airlines for 38 years and played a part in arranging the MOU. He emphasized that it gives TCC graduates a much higher chance of working for American Airlines.
“If they see they graduated from Tarrant County College, they’ll get a preference,” Tipa said.
Aircraft maintenance students are being given an opportunity, not a handout.
“It doesn’t guarantee them a job, but it does put them ahead of the public at large,” said NW aviation instructor Darrell Irby.
Not only are TCC graduates becoming priority hires at American Airlines, but they’re also entering the industry with less student debt.
“If you were to apply at one of the proprietary schools, you’re looking at somewhere between $50,000 and $65,000 for tuition,” Irby said. “At TCC, for a Tarrant County resident, it’s going to be around $7,000.”
TCC aviation students can earn a variety of certificates or pursue an Associate of Applied Science in aviation maintenance technology.
Currently, there is a national shortage of aircraft technicians, largely due to an aging workforce.
“Last time I got a number from American [Airlines], about half of their mechanics were eligible to retire,” Irby said.
Later this semester, representatives from American Airlines will speak to students directly.
“They’ll give them a presentation on what the opportunities are – the pay, the insurances and all that good stuff,” Tipa said.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the profession’s median annual wage is around $80,000.
“This partnership reflects the power of aligning education directly with workforce demand,” said TCC Chancellor Elva LeBlanc in a news release. “Together with American Airlines, we are strengthening the workforce that keeps North Texas and the global economy moving.”
Irby explained that the job of an aircraft technician isn’t just menial labor. They keep people safe on a daily basis.
“You’re actually out there troubleshooting very complex aircraft systems,” he said.
American Airlines will donate things like old and out-of-service components for instructors to use as teaching aids, giving students hands-on experience with job-relevant parts and ensuring graduates are workforce-ready.
“The partnership with American Airlines will benefit the aviation maintenance technology students by providing experiential learning opportunities … which will help address a critical need for aviation mechanics,” said Mike Esquivel, dean of business and industry on NW Campus.
American Airlines moved its headquarters from New York City to Fort Worth in 1979, quickly becoming vital to the North Texas economy.
“This is their home, so we wanted to make sure we have a good partnership,” Tipa said.
