Et cetera : Kirkwood, SkyWest Airlines Share Aviation Maintenance Career Opportunities

Largest U.S. regional airline to tour facility, speak to aviation students on Sept. 25

Kirkwood Community College and SkyWest Airlines are excited to give Aviation Maintenance Technology students an opportunity for employment after graduation. Representatives from the airline will visit campus on Monday, Sept. 25, to tour the facilities and speak to students about the company's Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Pathway Program.

Industry leaders anticipate a major need for qualified aviation maintenance technicians in the coming years due to continued growth and an estimated high number of employee retirements. Because of this, Kirkwood Aviation Maintenance Technology graduates are expected to be in high demand.

As the largest regional airline carrier in the U.S., SkyWest operates more than 20 maintenance bases and line stations in 15 states throughout the country. Students choosing to be in the program would immediately begin building company seniority, have access to current aviation maintenance personnel, and have a guaranteed interview for open positions once they complete their education and become certified aviation mechanics. More information about the program can be found at www.skywest.com.

The airline's campus visit will begin in the classroom as company representatives will speak to students about the benefits of the program. With Kirkwood's hangar under construction through the rest of the calendar year, the program is currently holding classes just a few miles away from the airport at the Kirkwood Continuing Education and Training Center. After the classroom visit, SkyWest will then tour the program's future home at the Eastern Iowa Airport.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Media are encouraged to join the tour at the college's hangar. College administrators and students in the program will be available for interviews.

*****EVENT*****

What: Kirkwood/SkyWest Partnership Announcement and Tour

When: Monday, Sept. 25

Where: Kirkwood's Hangar at the Eastern Iowa Airport

Time: 1 p.m.

With more than 140 majors and programs, Kirkwood Community College boasts 16,000 annual college-credit students, while maintaining one of the lowest tuitions in the state. All degree-seeking students are eligible for federal financial aid and the college offers more than $3 million in scholarships each year to students from all walks of life. Kirkwood is a convenient, innovative and visionary educational leader that strives to remain affordable and accessible.