Aviation Mechanics Technology Program at Texarkana College.

The college landscape is changing, as it has been for the last few years. While college has always been the penultimate goal for our children’s homeschool education, we’ve begun to look more at all of the options. When we began homeschooling 10 years ago these choices seemed so far away, but now those big decisions are a short four years away. Trade and technical school have always been on our radar. A new aviation mechanics technology program at Texarkana College has our attention. If you’re looking for an excellent program with direct school to workforce opportunities, keep reading to learn more about this exciting new program. This is a sponsored post but the views and opinions expressed are the author’s own.

Why a technical program?

Trade and technical schools offer a unique educational path. They are programs that instruct in a specific skill set and industry. Students can earn a certification in less than a year, a one year certificate, or two year degree option. These programs offer a direct pipeline from education into the workforce. Most students graduate with a job already lined up. A technical program is also a great option for nontraditional students looking to change their trajectory because of the flexibility and quick timeline.

What is aviation mechanics technology?

Aviation mechanics technology is all repair and maintenance related to airplanes. This includes the plane exterior, interior, frames, engines, and all other components. It’s a unique skill set that requires a broad scope of knowledge. Aviation mechanics technology focuses on keeping aircraft safe and functional. Mechanics perform regular maintenance, fix issues, and inspect planes to meet safety standards. They stay updated on new technology to handle modern aircraft systems. Specialties include working on the structure, engines, or electronics of planes. This field is important for safe and reliable air travel across the globe.

An excellent career outlook.

The career outlook for aviation mechanics technology is very strong. In 2020, there were last reported nearly 150,000 jobs in the United States. There’s a steady demand for skilled technicians in airlines, aerospace manufacturing, and maintenance companies especially because many technicians are reaching retirement age. As the aviation industry expands, so do opportunities for mechanics who can ensure aircraft safety and reliability. Technology changes and advances, such as opportunities with SpaceX and others also create new job prospects, especially for those familiar with modern aircraft systems. Overall, it’s a field with global opportunities and solid job security in a growing industry.

Some possible career opportunities:

• Aircraft Maintenance Technician – $41.24 per hour starting salary.
• Aviation Maintenance Technician – $41.07 per hour starting salary.
• Aircraft Paint Technician – $36.10 per hour starting salary.

Why choose Aviation Mechanics Technology at Texarkana College?

One of the best benefits of choosing the aviation mechanics technology program at Texarkana College is being a part of the first few graduating classes. The program launches for enrollment for the fall 2024 semester. Texarkana College is offering two options with this program: a one year certificate and a two year degree. The classes will be a blend of in person and online, with some flexibility in scheduling which allows for students to also work while they are in school. You can check out some of the class content on their YouTube channel. Some other great perks of enrollment:

• Access to high quality training tools onsite at the Texarkana College Hangar at the Texarkana Regional Airport.
• Small class size.
• Direct access to instructors and course programmers.
• Students are enrolled at Texarkana College and have the benefits of the Pinkerton Fitness Center and Texarkana College Library.
• Tours available, all you need to do is ask!

The program instructors.

The aviation mechanics technology program at Texarkana College is a direct result of the hard work of Brandon Sanders. Sanders has a passion for all things aviation and his enthusiasm for the field is contagious. Texarkana College is lucky to have an instructor of his caliber and experience at the helm of this program. He is actively involved as a Captain in the National Guard, has worked on special projects with major corporations such as Boeing. Sanders resume is impressive and this new program at Texarkana College will benefit greatly from his involvement. His goal is to help students become thorough, effective, curious and equally passionate employees whom he can plug directly into careers after graduation. Students are in good hands with this program.

Tango Flight: the high school connection.

There is an exciting development for area high schoolers in the field of aviation mechanics technology. Tango Flight is a program that began in Georgetown, Texas in 2016. The program provides high school students the materials, tools and training to build a two seater airplane over the course of one school year. It’s an incredible opportunity for them to learn about aerospace engineering and aviation, while partnering with area colleges and local businesses. Texarkana College recently revealed they are one of ten new locations from across the United States to be launching a Tango Flight program. Enrolled students have the opportunity to earn credit toward their Airframe and Power Plant certifications.

An exciting future at the Texarkana Regional Airport.

One of the most exciting recent developments in Texarkana was the grand opening of the new $49M airport terminal. The Texarkana Regional Airport unveiled the brand new airport and the first flights took off in the beginning of July 2024. There are many exciting developments that will come along with that new airport, including several in the aviation mechanics technology field. Graduates of the new program at Texarkana College will have the opportunity to find jobs quite literally, across the runway. Which, by the way, is going to be improving thanks to a $35M expansion project.

Aviation Mechanics Technology Program at Texarkana College.

It’s an exciting time in the world of technical and trade school. Doors are opening and many of them are unique opportunities that wouldn’t have existed ten years ago. The field of aviation mechanics technology is expanding rapidly and the job outlook is excellent. Career opportunities within aviation mechanics technology are limitless, especially if paired with a mechanical engineering degree or pilots license. The benefits of attending a smaller community college are class size, access to instructors, affordable tuition costs and much more. Texarkana College, as they say, is a “great place to start or start over” and with this new program, it’s hard to disagree.

For more information.

For additional information, visit the Texarkana College website for Aviation Mechanics Technology

Don’t miss the upcoming Texarkana Airshow! An airshow is returning to Texarkana for the first time in 30 years and you won’t want to miss it. The Texarkana Airshow takes off on June 26th, 2026!

PS – if you’re interested in learning more about our approach to education and homeschooling, check out this guide to adventure schooling, and why homeschooling is the greatest adventure.