VIENNA – Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics continues to see exceptional growth at its campus here.
The aviation industry is facing a shortage of technicians. More than 130,000 new technicians are needed by 2040 to cover the demand for commercial aviation alone, according to the Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook for 2021.
PIA graduates have reaped the benefits of this demand with graduate employment reported over 80% in Youngstown between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, says Steven Sabold, vice president of operations.
The Youngstown campus, based at the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, was founded in 2006, and employs 16. It offers training in aviation maintenance and aviation electronics.
Students take a 1,900-hour program that prepares them to earn federal certification. Among the students are recent high school graduates, veterans transitioning to civilian life, and adults seeking a new career, according to Sabold.