Over the next two decades, Boeing forecasts the aviation industry will need 610,000 new maintenance technicians. It’s a problem Greenville Technical College is looking to solve by expanding its Aircraft Maintenance Technology program.

We got a hands-on look at the program. Here’s how it went and how you can Try This.

Students go on to work for major players in the airline industry. | Photo by the GVLtoday team

What we tried (with pricing):

The South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center (915 Perimeter Rd.) features a facility with state-of-the-art technology, airplanes of different sizes, and students can see — and tinker with — real airplanes.

We got to see the students in action, working on plane engines in both the retired planes + on simulators.

You can tour the facility + learn more about the academic and career opportunities and $0 tuition for Spring Semester at the Aircraft Maintenance Technology open house on Thurs., Nov. 10 from 5-7 p.m.

What not to miss:

You can’t miss the unique aircraft, like the 1983 Falcon Dassault aircraft donated by Stewart Spinks, founder of Spinx Inc. While students get to work on these planes when they go to class, for me, it was like walking through an aviation museum.

We got to climb in the cockpit of the Spinx plane. | Photo by the GVLtoday team

What we’re still talking about:

When you order a package from Amazon or board a flight at GSP, a Greenville Tech student could be making sure the plane transporting you, or your purchases, is safe for the sky.

Greenville Tech graduates in this program go on to work for shipping companies (think: FedEx and UPS), regional + commercial airlines (think: PSA, American + Delta), and aircraft manufacturers (think: Lockheed Martin + Boeing).

Instructors with industry experience prep future airplane technicians. | Photo by the GVLtoday team

How you can experience this:

With a shortage of technicians, Greenville Tech is adding an additional cohort starting this spring (January 2023) to help graduate more students from the program. It’s also expanding access to the program to high school students interested in getting a head start on their associate's degree.

Pro tip: Get a look at the planes and learn more about Greenville Tech’s programs and $0 tuition for Spring Semester at the Aircraft Maintenance Technology open house on Thurs., Nov. 10 from 5-7 p.m.

It’s a bird, it’s a plane. | Photo by the GVLtoday team

Things to know if you go:

Experience: Hands-on learning at South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center
Price: Free open house on Thurs., Nov. 10, 2022, 5-7 p.m.; plus ($0 tuition for Spring Semester)
Website: gvltec.edu/academics_learning/advanced-manufacturing-transportation/aircraft_maintenance/index.html
Address: South Carolina Technology and Aviation Center, 915 Perimeter Rd., Greenville, SC
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