After nearly 30 years in one career, Chris Buxton is now training for his next steps as an aviation maintenance technician with Enterprise State Community College.

Buxton joined the workforce, working in wastewater treatment, right out of high school. After retiring, he began looking for a new opportunity. Watching friends in their aviation maintenance careers and seeing his son complete the same training at ESCC’s Ozark campus inspired him to take his own chance at what he saw was a “fun job.”

“I’m a huge supporter of our military for starters, so I thought why not possibly go work at Fort Rucker,” he said. “We’ve already put my son through this school, and he’s working at Fort Rucker. I hear him talk about his job out there, and it honestly just sounds like a fun job.”

“I’m only 49 years old, so I’ve still got a lot of work life left in me,” he said. “Why not go do something that I think would be fun as well as an incredible learning experience?”

On the Ozark campus, students train for their FAA certifications in airframe and powerplant maintenance (A&P). Classes are offered every eight weeks, allowing students to complete their training in just 18 months.

“Some of the things you’re learning, it’s a little bit of a challenge if you’ve never done anything like that,” Buxton said. “At the same time, the instructors are very patient, and they take time with you. So far, it’s just been a fun experience, especially late in life like I did it.”

He said the combination of hands-on experience and supportive instruction makes the program ideal for anyone at any age.

“I just think it’s a great opportunity,” he said. “You can come here, and honestly, in 18 months, you can be certified as an A&P mechanic and go to work and have a fun job.”

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for aircraft mechanics is around $79,000 per year with local pay starting around $60,000. While the earning potential is a strong motivator, Buxton said he was most excited to work with aircraft.

“I know it’s not for everybody, but to me, aircraft is just kind of fascinating,” he said. “Whether it be a plane or a helicopter, it’s just one of those things.”

The A&P program on the Ozark campus trains students of all ages, from high school dual enrollment students to adults pursuing new career paths. Buxton said his experience is proof that it’s never too late to begin again.

“Me, I’m almost 50,” he said. “Of course, like I say, it’s a late start, but it’s never too late to do anything that you want to do. Don’t let your age, don’t let your gender, don’t let anything stop you or turn you away from wanting to do something like this, because this is for everybody. It’s not just for young people.”

“I think anybody who is not sure of what they want to do in life, this is definitely a great opportunity that people need to look into,” he said.

Students can begin their training each semester at the College. Spring classes begin January 12. Apply today at escc.edu/apply.