American Airlines has announced a partnership with Tulsa Tech to mentor and train future generations of aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs).

Students in Tulsa Tech’s aviation maintenance technology programme now have direct access to the airline’s Tulsa-based AMTs through ongoing engagement opportunities at the carrier’s maintenance base and on campus.

Additionally, top-performing students will secure guaranteed interviews for open positions with American Airlines.

Tulsa Tech, the oldest and largest technology centre in Oklahoma’s CareerTech System, is a career and technology centre school district dedicated to educating people for success in the workplace.

Tulsa Tech helps high school and adult students from across the Tulsa region explore new careers, upgrade their training and skills, and pursue their dreams.

Students can work toward their FAA Airframe and Powerplant licenses or choose from other aviation-related coursework at the school.

While the AMT mentor and training partnership is new, it’s not the first time American Airlines and Tulsa Tech have worked together to inspire future AMTs.

In 2011, American Airlines donated a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft to the school which is still being used today to provide hands-on training opportunities.

American Airlines’ Tulsa-based AMTs have also mentored award-winning Tulsa Tech student teams in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition.

A pathway from classrooms to hangars

Greg Emerson, vice president of base maintenance at American Airlines, said: “American’s Tech Ops – Tulsa maintenance base is the largest commercial aviation maintenance facility in the world and has been the backbone of our base maintenance program since 1946.

“Having access to top local talent from Tulsa Tech ensures that work will continue for generations to come.

“We’re eager to provide a pathway from their Tulsa Tech classrooms to our hangars.”

Dr. Steve Tiger, Tulsa Tech superintendent and chief executive, said: “We extend our heartfelt gratitude for our strong partnership in workforce development and training with American Airlines.

“Their unwavering support and collaboration help us train the next generation of skilled workers and highlights the expanding career opportunities available throughout the aviation industry, including right here in Tulsa at American Airlines.”

American Airlines has also donated several aircraft parts including an auxiliary power unit, four oxygen generators, a digital flight computer and a flow control valve, providing students with relevant, hands-on resources to help with their studies.

American Airlines employs approximately 5,000 team members at Tech Ops – Tulsa, including 3,200 licensed AMTs. The facility was recently awarded $22 million from the State of Oklahoma to make enhancements at the base.

The funds are in addition to a $31.6 million engine shop capital investment and an ongoing $350 million improvement project made by American Airlines.

As a result of these investments, American Airlines says it is in the process of adding more than 300 new jobs at Tech Ops – Tulsa.