Aircraft maintenance training is generally the purview of the College of the Albemarle, which offers an Associate’s degree in Aviation Systems Technology, and diplomas in Airframe Maintenance, and Powerplant Maintenance.“Kids that want to work in aviation maintenance can get their training and their certificate right there,” says Hinton. “Between now and the end of the decade, 15,000 pilots are going to retire from Delta, American, and United alone. But the need for mechanics is just as great as for pilots.” In addition, the city’s high schools participate in the Air Force’s Junior ROTC program, and each summer, several dozen students participate in an eight week program in aviation and aircraft maintenance sponsored by ECSU. Some of them will be taught how to fly by the school’s flight instructors, on the way to getting their pilot’s certificate. The airport also has its own small flight school staffed by a local flight instructor. “We don’t want to get much larger because we’re trying to roll what is approaching 30-35 flights a day on our side of the base,” Hinton adds. “Last year, we did over 60,000 operations and 55% or those were us, not the Coast Guard. So, we want to be very mindful that we’re not impacting their abilities.” WORKFORCE EDUCATION Other areas of education are just as important to the future of the city and the region. “There is a real focus on bringing students into our business community through internships and training,” says Davis.“Being ready to enter the workforce, now starts with great high school programs. I recently had a call from one of our automotive dealers who was looking for certified mechanics and there were four at one of our high schools. Those students went and interviewed with that dealership, completely certified. So, workforce is a top priority for the Chamber, and by far, a top priority for our businesses. If you don’t have good employees, it’s really hard to be successful.” The city and Chamber also work closely with NCWorks Career Centers, a state program 165 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 10 ELIZABETH CITY, NC
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