American Airlines and Tulsa Tech partner to develop aviation maintenance talent pipeline

Students in Tulsa Tech’s aviation maintenance technology program now have more than 3,000 new industry mentors thanks to a new partnership announced today with American Airlines. Students now have direct access to the airline’s Tulsa-based aviation maintenance technicians (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 the carrier.

While the partnership is new, it’s not the first time American and Tulsa Tech have worked together to inspire future AMTs. In 2011, American donated a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft to the school, and the iconic aircraft continues to be used today to provide hands-on training opportunities. American’s Tulsa-based AMTs have also mentored award-winning Tulsa Tech student teams in the annual Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition.
“American is excited to officially partner with Tulsa Tech to mentor and train future generations of aviation maintenance technicians,” said Greg Emerson, American’s Vice President of Base Maintenance. “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.”

Tulsa Tech, the oldest and largest technology center in Oklahoma’s CareerTech System, is a career and technology center 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. More information can be found at tulsatech.edu.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude for our strong partnership in workforce development and training with American Airlines,” said Dr. Steve Tiger, Tulsa Tech Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer. “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 also donated several aircraft parts including an auxiliary power unit, four oxygen generators, a digital flight computer and a flow control valve during today’s event at the school’s Riverside campus. These parts will provide students with relevant, hands-on resources to help them in their studies.

American employs nearly 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 ongoing $350 million improvement project made by American. As a result of these investments, American is in the process of adding more than 300 new jobs a Tech Ops – Tulsa.