-From the Dothan Eagle© reprinted with permission, by Jim Cook- Enterprise State Community College's aviation programs have seen huge enrollment growth in the past six years, as students looking for good-paying jobs have flocked to the programs, which offer entry into a growing career field.
According to numbers provided by the college, enrollment in ESCC's aviation programs has grown 374 percent since 2005. The college now has about 1,300 students at five locations throughout the state.
The college's Ozark campus has the highest number of students, with about 900-1,000 attending there, said Deidre Frith, director of marketing and media relations.
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Frith said growth in the aviation industry and high wages in the industry are the primary draw for students. Frith said new hires in the industry could make $40,000 to $50,000 per year. ESCC's aviation campuses offer the only aviation maintenance technician program in the state.
"We have people from Texas and Arizona wanting to hire our graduates," she said.
Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers estimate employment for aircraft mechanics is expected to grow by about 7 percent between 2008 and 2018. Most of the job openings are expected to result from the need to replace retiring baby boomers. The bureau also said that the skills learned in aviation maintenance are transferable to other maintenance and repair jobs, giving graduates of the program increased career flexibility.
According to the bureau, job opportunities will be easiest to find at small commuter and regional airlines, FAA repair stations and in general aviation.
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