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Texarkana College proudly announces the graduation of its inaugural class from the Aviation Maintenance Technician program, a landmark achievement in meeting the critical nationwide shortage of skilled aircraft mechanics.
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Each member of this pioneering cohort has earned the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification which is the industry gold standard. In addition, students earned the prestigious SAE AS7489 Aerospace Coating Application Specialist (ACAS) certification, demonstrating expertise in advanced corrosion prevention and aircraft painting aligned with FAA standards.
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During the intensive one-year program, students acquired hands-on, real-world experience maintaining and painting aircraft in an innovative hangar facility at Texarkana Regional Airport, simulating a professional Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) environment.
Demonstrating the program’s strong industry connections and immediate employability, graduates have already received job offers from leading firms including Aerotek, Boeing, SkyWest Airlines, and various smaller aviation companies.
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“Our goal is to get each graduate hired before they leave our program,” said Brandon Sanders, Director of Aviation at Texarkana College. “We are committed to demonstrating to the industry that Texarkana can field a high volume of high-quality mechanics to support their businesses.”
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Texarkana College President Dr. Jason Smith praised both the graduates and the program’s regional impact. “I am incredibly proud of the success of our inaugural Aviation Maintenance Technician class,” Smith said. “This program exemplifies how strong partnerships drive workforce success. Our collaboration with the Texarkana Regional Airport has truly been a win for both the airport and Texarkana College, allowing us to respond directly to industry demand and prepare highly skilled mechanics who are ready to enter the workforce.”
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As the first graduating class of this FAA Part 147-approved program, these certified technicians are entering a high-demand field with competitive starting salaries often exceeding $80,000 annually.
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Texarkana College plans to build on this success by welcoming new cohorts each fall, spring, and summer semester, with an ambitious target of graduating approximately 300 certified A&P mechanics per calendar year to fuel aviation growth regionally and nationally.
Texarkana College congratulates the inaugural graduates and encourages prospective students to pursue this accelerated path to a lucrative career. For more information, visit online at www.texarkanacollege.edu/
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