What Employers Are Looking For

WHAT ARE EMPLOYERS LOOKING FOR...

IN THE NEXT GENERATION OF AMTs?

PIA has worked closely with aviation employers for nearly a century to make sure our graduates are learning the skills they need to succeed as aviation maintenance technicians.

But how are these needs changing over time, and what skills are today’s employers hoping to see from tomorrow’s AMTs?

To find out, PIA Associate Director of Career Services Mindy Pavilonis reached out to several recent employers of PIA grads to learn more about their side of the hiring experience. Here’s what they had to say about their labor needs, what traits they’re seeking in new talent, and what PIA students should focus on if they want to excel as AMTs.

In Aviation Maintenance, Every Little Detail Matters

What's one way to be sure you’ll stand out in the AMT job market? Prove that you can stay laser-focused on the details of any project.

“Attention to detail and the ability to follow written instructions is unfortunately lacking among many new AMTs, and that can lead to potential failures,” said Cory Highfield, a PIA alum who currently works as a Technician at GE Aviation’s Durham Engine Facility. Highfield isn’t alone; nearly every employer mentioned how important it is for new AMTs to clearly follow directions, pay close attention to minor details, and remain safety-conscious at all times. That’s because every little detail is so crucial to the performance of a plane — and to the safety and well-being of everyone in and around it.

Never Stop Learning

No employer expects a new AMT to know everything about the planes they work on, but being excited to learn as much as possible about the aircraft they service is a huge asset.

For example, L. Martin Fletes, QC/TO/LT at Flightcheck Commercial Aviation Services, notes that the AMTs at Flightcheck must learn to be proficient in hydraulic service, compressed gas service and nav/com systems for Airbus, Boeing, CRJ, and Embraer. “A solid AMT candidate will learn to troubleshoot/repair/defer defects ranging from small regional to wide body commercial jets and in doing so, gain functional understanding of commercial jet systems” said Fletes.

Angie Poston, a Recruiter at Signature TECHNICAir, which provides Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) services for aircraft operators at 11 locations worldwide, points out: “We have several seasoned mechanics who will be great mentors for new AMTs.

Also, the shops serve a range of aircraft from a single piston trainer to large corporate jets. This gives AMTs the opportunity to learn about and become flexible enough to work on any aircraft that visits the hangar, from avionics or engine work to structure repair and troubleshooting.”

“Soft Skills” Are Hard to Find

While employers love to find mechanics who have hands-on experience with the particular aircraft or machinery they specialize in producing or repairing, there’s one thing that makes them even happier: Finding mechanics with great people skills.

So-called “soft skills” like communication and collaboration are increasingly important for success in the AMT field. As Angie Poston at Signature TECHNICAir notes: “Some of the top skills we look for in AMTs are problem-solving, leadership, clear communication, and the ability to work as a team player.”

Not only do mechanics need to be able to work well in teams, but they frequently need to interface with clients, customers, vendors, and aircraft owners as well. Being able to communicate clearly and comfortably with coworkers, inspectors, and the general public is a key component of good customer service, effective management, and promotion-focused professional development.

PIEDMONT PROGRAMS GIVE PIA STUDENTS MORE OPTIONS

Submitted By Crystal Byrd, Piedmont Director, Corporate Communications

“Piedmont Airlines, Inc., is one of American Airlines wholly owned regional carriers and is headquartered in Salisbury, Maryland, and operates and maintains a fleet of Embraer 145 regional jets. Piedmont is proud to employee more than 10,000 aviation professionals across the United States.

“To help new AMTs get the training they need to start their careers, Piedmont has become one of the first aviation employers to offer a tuition support program for selected students. Piedmont’s Maintenance Tuition Payment Program provides tuition coverage, with additional support available during PIA training. Program participants will gain valuable hands-on experience and the educational foundation they need to become aircraft technicians at no cost, while allowing Piedmont the opportunity to work with and develop students in the local communities we serve.”

“In addition, Piedmont also offers an innovative Cadet program, the most flexible program in the industry to help aspiring pilots earn their flight hours when they want and where they want. Piedmont Airline pilots are among the highest paid pilots in the regional industry offering industry-leading wage and bonus packages. Piedmont also offers a contractual flow program that guarantees new pilots a job at their parent company, American Airlines, with no further interview required.”