Aviation Maintenance Career Fair Scheduled Amid High Demand

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Job-seekers interested in aviation maintenance careers will have a chance to meet one-on-one with major employers at a Thursday morning career fair.

The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics is hosting a career fair from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 17 at its Youngstown campus at 1453 Youngstown-Kingsville Road NE. Employers will be on hand to meet with current students and alumni to discuss aviation maintenance career education and available jobs.

“Employers are traveling to PIA to begin the recruiting process as early as first semester and even partnering to raise career awareness prior to enrollment which is indicative of high demand,” said Suzanne Markle, president and CEO of the nonprofit PIA. “As students advance in their education, employers are more frequently following students’ progress to graduation, and it’s becoming more common for a student to receive an employment offer prior to graduation contingent on successfully completing the federal certification.”

Among the employers scheduled to be on hand include Ames, Endeavor, PSA, Commut, Republic, Air Methods, Skywest, Constant Aviation, Air Wisconsin, Lockheed Martin, GE Aviation, Gulfstream, Delta Techops, Goodyear and Crown. On average, PIA graduates accept a full-time job within 50 days of graduation.

Factors such as an aging aviation maintenance workforce and shortage of trained airframe and powerplant technicians have employers looking to recruit serious candidates as early as pre-enrollment, according to a press release.

“Additionally, employers are extending employment offers prior to graduation contingent on successfully completing the federal exam, often with signing bonuses starting at $2,500 and higher, as well as relocation packages, job growth and management planning, and in-kind donations such as maintenance tools are becoming more common to support graduates in choosing an employer,” said Mindy L. Pavilonis, PIA’s associate director of career services.

Image: Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.