Additional classes are coming to the Alabama Aviation College’s Andalusia site this fall for the College’s aviation maintenance technician program, bringing more opportunities for career training in a high-demand field a little closer to home. The new class schedule at the College’s Andalusia site, located at the South Alabama Regional Airport, will be available to dual enrollment students in the Covington County, Andalusia, Opp and Crenshaw County School Systems as well as high school graduates and nontraditional students. The new class schedule will allow students to complete the first six classes of the College’s aviation maintenance technician program (also called Airframe & Powerplant or A&P). This includes the program’s four generals courses and the first two classes of the airframe certificate program. The six classes will be offered over a two-year rotation. Three classes will be offered each fall and spring semester. Classes will be offered from 7:30– 9:15 a.m., 9:30 – 11:15 a.m., and 12:00 – 1:45 p.m. five days a week. Fall 2023 classes begin on August 21. For dual enrollment students, A&P classes are free thanks to grant funding through the state. For high school graduates and nontraditional students, financial aid can be used to cover the cost of tuition and fees. Financial aid will be based on the number of credit hours enrolled among other factors. After completing classes at the Andalusia site, students will then be able to continue the program on the College’s Ozark campus. Locally, there are jobs available now where technicians are starting their careers with a base pay of $25-32 hour. These jobs can be found with companies like M1 Support Services, which provides contract services for aircraft maintenance at Fort Novosel. Globally, according to a report from Boeing, there will be a need for 610,000 new aircraft maintenance technicians to help maintain aircraft over the next 20 years. “I'm excited about our ‘Start at Home’ campaign in Andalusia,” AAC Campus Director Stan Smith said. “The Alabama Aviation College has partnerships with M1 Services at Fort Novosel; PSA Airlines; SkyWarrior; and McDermott Aviation, an Australian-based company with a team at the Andalusia airport. “I get calls almost weekly from employers wanting to hire our graduates,” he said. “Some students get hired before they finish the two-year program. Within two years at the Alabama Aviation College, you can receive the training you need to provide a good living for you and your family. Start now. Don't wait.” For dual enrollment students interested in starting classes this fall, they can complete the dual enrollment application process at escc.edu/dualenrollment or contact the dual enrollment team at dualenrollment@escc.edu. For graduating seniors and others interested in starting classes this fall, visit escc.edu/apply or contact AAC Recruiter Caitlin Cawley at ccawley@escc.edu.