Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) officially opens its 14th campus in Chicago’s McKinley Park neighborhood this month. The new campus is AIM’s largest aviation maintenance school to date, at 137,000 sq. ft. Located just six miles from Chicago Midway International Airport and 20 miles from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 3711 S. Ashland, the new AIM campus will serve both underrepresented populations and employers in need of qualified aviation mechanics in the Chicago metropolitan area.
AIM and OHC are finalizing a reciprocal agreement that allows students at OHC to complete the General portion of the FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician program and transfer those credits to AIM where they complete the course work and exam to become fully certified FAA Aircraft & Powerplant mechanics. Conversely, AIM graduates can transfer credits to Olive-Harvey to earn an associate degree.
“Olive-Harvey College is excited to join forces with AIM in service to our students and community,” said OHC President, Kimberly Hollingsworth. “Helping students connect with exciting growth industries like aviation maintenance is part of our strategic plan. We are thankful for this partnership with AIM and cannot wait to see our students soar in this industry.”
"Connecting our residents to stable, good-paying and meaningful careers in growing industries is a critical component to our post-pandemic economic recovery strategy," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "I am pleased to see the Aviation Institute of Maintenance support this goal by expanding its presence and educational resources in our underserved neighborhoods. Chicago's airports have long been renowned for being world-class, and this new campus will provide an entryway for residents to take part in this splendor through exciting education and employment opportunities."
Graduates focusing on the field of aviation maintenance in the Chicago metropolitan area will have the potential to earn an annual wage of $72,000 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May of 2020). In addition to higher than average wages, the job outlook for aircraft mechanics shows faster than average growth.
AIM will host a formal Ribbon Cutting Ceremony from noon to 1:30 p.m. on September 15, and public open houses in the weeks to follow.
