Tulsa Tech Helps Equip Teachers As Need For Nationwide Aircraft Mechanics Grows

The need for aircraft mechanics nationwide is growing and may turn into a crisis soon.

High school teachers were at Tulsa Tech to learn how to implement programs to teach the next generation of aircraft mechanics.

The teachers are getting hands on and up close to learn more about what it takes to be an aircraft mechanic so they can take that knowledge back to their students.

"We are trying to get this aviation maintenance content into as many high school programs as we can given the demand and the opportunities available to students right out of high school even," said Crystal Maguire with Choose Aerospace, a Jenks nonprofit that promotes aviation careers.

She said there's a nationwide shortage of mechanics, and getting kids invested early is a top priority.

"From a national trade organization perspective, we know that the national demand across the country would require us to increase our current pipeline by around 20 percent," Maguire said.

One of the biggest problems is an aging workforce. Jay Potter with the Transport Workers Union Local 514 thinks the worst may be yet to come.

"I don't think the massive shortage has hit just yet, I think it's coming. I'm 35 years with American, I'm about to turn 56, and I think I'm probably one of the young guys," said Potter.

He said for a long time the stability of the industry was uncertain, keeping people away, but now he said things are better.

"At the end of the day it's a great job. We're back to good wages. It provides good vacation, time away with your family and it's a great opportunity for people," Potter said.