AMFA scholarships
The membership of Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) Local 11 selected the winners of its 2010 scholarship fund. The winners: Louis George, Donald Rhoads, Tyler Kreis, Maha Mohiuddin, Anissa Hicks, Colin Miller, Kayla Dillon, Ashley Ramos, Caitlan Lee, Jamie Janzen, Kristen Shanahan, and Lauren Holt. Each scholarship was valued at $1,000. Eligible individuals were members and their immediate family members.
Take Flight program
The Manitowoc, WI, public summer school program included a new class this year, the Take Flight aviation class. Students in fourth through eighth grades spent two weeks learning the physics and mechanics of aviation, building an airplane wing rib, and touring planes and aviation facilities. Students each took a flight piloted by the EAA Young Eagles program. The last session included a visit to the EAA museum in Oshkosh.
Online safety training
The National Safety Council has partnered with Summit Training Source to deliver interactive online training curriculum. NSC will offer Summit’s online OSHA accepted 10- and 30-hour training for general industry and construction, along with Summit’s entire library of interactive online compliance training courses. Summit will develop online training for NSC, as well as convert current NSC training content to a web-based format. For more information visit www.safetyontheweb.com or www.nsc.org.
Study of maintenance instructors
A global research study for aviation maintenance instructors is underway through the University of Minnesota. This anonymous, online survey collects information about the professional experience and opinions of maintenance instructors. The goal is to create a composite picture of the professionals teaching aviation maintenance while identifying any significant differences due to industry segment, regulatory agency, type of training, or type of organization. The researcher, Doug Larson, is an FAA-certificated aircraft maintenance technician with inspection authorization. The study is a project for a master’s degree in education. The link to the survey is: http://www.amtonline.com/admin/article/art_view.jsp?id=11498.
SkillsUSA and Lowe’s
Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has made a $10 million commitment to SkillsUSA through 2014. Through its support of SkillsUSA, Lowe’s commitment is to help solve the impending skilled worker shortage by providing technical, professional, managerial, leadership, customer service, and communication skills training. SkillsUSA will use the grant to enhance its instructional programs and provide the funding its chapters need to embrace community service and school improvement projects.
Aviation maintenance training program
Mid-South Community College in West Memphis, TN, plans to create an aviation mechanics training program from the ground up with assistance from FedEx and $3.4 million in federal stimulus money. Mid-South is working with the FAA to get the program started. And FedEx has agreed to offer internships so students have access to on-the-job training.
Training partnership
The National Coalition of Certification Centers (NC3) represents a move toward public/private training partnerships. It incorporates 25 advanced technical education centers, community colleges, and manufacturer-sponsored training programs. It provides comprehensive curriculum development and access to skill-standard certifications. Current certification includes diagnostics, diesel engines, wheel service and vehicle information management, multimeters and torque. Fields targeted for curriculum development include advanced propulsion systems, aviation, and renewable energy. It is located in Kenosha, WI. For more information visit www.nc3.net.
For up-to-date news visit www.amtonline.com.
