Aims Launches New Program to Combat Aircraft Mechanic Shortage
Aims Community College launched a new Aircraft Maintenance Technician program to meet the demand for certified aviation mechanics.
Classes begin in January 2026 at the brand-new Aircraft Maintenance Training Center (AMTC) at the Northern Colorado Regional Airport in Loveland. Prospective students can now apply to the program to earn an Associate of Applied Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technician degree in two years, over six semesters.
The college will add certificate options as the program evolves. Aims is developing career pathways and partnership programs with aviation and aerospace employers.
“While everyone who travels can feel there’s a pilot shortage, the need for aircraft mechanics is even greater,” said Eric Himler, executive director of Aviation Programs at Aims, “This program is an opportunity for Aims to be part of the solution in creating aircraft mechanics that will help ease that shortage locally, statewide and nationally.
Industry and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) data project a shortage of 25,000 aircraft technicians in the U.S. by 2028 and anticipate a global need for more than 700,000 technicians over the next 30 years.
“Currently, the average age of a certified aircraft technician is 54 years old, and 40% are over 60,” said Michael Sasso, director of the Aircraft Maintenance Program at Aims, “This is a long and lucrative career path and now is the time to train the next generation of skilled technicians.”
Sasso has worked in the aviation industry for decades and sees it as a stable job with strong earning potential. “You can work in a big city, a small town, or anywhere in the world. This career gives you options and mobility without sacrificing income,” he said.
Aims offers an immersive program that prepares students to research, troubleshoot and repair aircraft, helping lead to employment as an aviation or aerospace maintenance technician. By developing the skills to interpret and apply regulations, participants will be ready to take a series of FAA-written national certification exams.
“We’re preparing students to walk right into the workforce,” Sasso said.
Courses will take place at the AMTC, a facility featuring live aircraft for hands-on training. “This isn’t theoretical. It’s as real as it gets,” Sasso said.
Students will also use advanced virtual and augmented reality tools and modern avionics labs. The facility will provide in-house aircraft fleet maintenance space to support the Aims flight program.
“We’re building a high-tech training environment that matches the needs of today’s aviation industry,” Sasso said, “We want students to graduate with the skills to succeed right away in a constantly evolving field.”
The program is all-inclusive, providing tools, uniforms, books and testing.
The new Aircraft Maintenance Technician degree program at Aims is designed to be inclusive, welcoming students from all walks of life, including those historically underrepresented in skilled trades and STEM careers.
“Right now, less than 3% of aircraft technicians are women,” Sasso said, “There’s a tremendous opportunity to invite more women into this industry.”
“This program isn’t just for 18- to 25-year-olds,” Sasso explained, “It’s also a great option for adults considering a career change later in life.”
Sasso emphasized that students don’t need a mechanical background to succeed.
“With the right support and training, anyone with determination and curiosity can thrive in this field. We’re prepared to train students from the ground up,” he said, “The sky is the limit. We’re building a pathway into a career where people can support a family, stay in their hometown or move across the world. We’re making sure more people know it’s an option for them.”
The Aircraft Maintenance Technician program is eligible for federal financial aid, veteran education benefits and industry scholarships.