The Sky Is the Limit: CoA’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program
CoA’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program serves students seeking employment as trained technicians in the aviation industry. The program operates under the approval of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and is located in a facility at 970 Harbor Bay Parkway, in Alameda, adjacent to the Oakland International Airport. Facilities include a sheet metal shop, an engine shop, welding equipment, and aircraft system trainers.
AMT graduates are highly sought after by local airline companies, including United and Alaska Airlines, with whom the College maintains close working relations. In 2018, the United States Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded the program a $3 million grant to expand and improve its facilities and serve more students.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, a study by Boeing estimated that nearly 120,000 new technicians would be needed in North America over the next two decades. Boeing recently revised these estimates due to the decrease in demand caused by the pandemic, predicting that it will take around three years for commercial air travel to return to 2019 levels. Even with the recent downtown in the aviation sector, it is estimated that there will still be increased demand for trained AMT technicians as baby boomers hit retirement age.
AMT Program graduates are eligible to qualify for FAA airframe and power plant certificates; and may pursue a variety of related careers, including aircraft mechanic, service technician, aircraft structure, surfaces, and systems assemblers. Salaries range from about $16 to $41 per hour.
Prior to the pandemic, enrollments in 2019-20 had increased from the previous two years. Under the direction of CoA Aviation Maintenance Department Chair Hoi Ko, AMT faculty were able to continue instruction this past year with special approval of the FAA using a combination of in-person instruction (requiring appropriate social distancing and masks) and online classes.
Three full-time faculty are employed by the program, including Hoi Ko, Robert Bruce Pettyjohn, and George Cruz. In addition, the program employs three part-time faculty, including Ben Henderson, Marquis Bosuego, and Ablert Chan, and Airport Campus Supervisor Esther Cheng.
The AMT Program underwent program review in 2019 and is in the process of expanding its curriculum and broaden its scope by developing an Aircraft Electronics Technician course with plans to eventually develop a certificated program in Avionics. Avionics are the electronic systems used on aircrafts, artificial satellites, and spacecrafts. Avionic systems include communications, navigation, the display and management of multiple systems, and the hundreds of systems that are by aircrafts to perform various important functions.
COA’s Popular Free Produce Market Returns to Campus
The Free Produce Market has returned to campus and will be held twice monthly throughout the fall term on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. A variety of healthy fresh fruits, vegetables, and other comestibles are available at the bi-monthly markets at no charge. Students and community members are encouraged to bring their own bags or boxes.
The Office of Student Activities and Campus Life Seeks Clothing Donations for Students
CoA’s Cougar Closet is now accepting donations of lightly used professional clothing, kids’ clothes, baby clothes of all sizes, diapers, and personal care items. Your generous donations will help students care for their families and prepare for job interviews. For more information, contact Director of Student Activities Natalie Rodriguez, nrodriguez@peralta.edu.
This article is taken from the President’s Report, written by Dr. Nathaniel Jones III, College of Alameda President, that was presented to the PCCD Board of Trustees during their regular meeting on Tuesday, July 13, 2021.