Students at George T. Baker Aviation Technical College are soaring toward promising careers in aviation maintenance, thanks to a new partnership with American Airlines.

The collaboration provides students with valuable engagement opportunities with the airline’s Technical Operations team at its Miami (MIA) hub and on campus.

Furthermore, top-performing students will secure guaranteed interviews for open positions upon graduation and receipt of their FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate.

The partnership formalises a long-standing relationship between American Airlines and Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), which has been instrumental in developing the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) for years.

Notably, American Airlines donated a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft to Baker Aviation in 2010, a resource that continues to serve as an essential training tool.

Additionally, the airline’s MIA-based Technical Operations team mentored the school’s student team in the 2024 Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition, where they earned first place in two events and finished second in the School category.

Evie Garces, American’s vice president of line maintenance, said: “George T. Baker Aviation Technical College is widely known as a leader in aviation education, and we’ve hired many of their graduates. This partnership ensures American will continue hiring the best-trained AMTs who will keep our fleet flying safely for years to come. We’re looking forward to working closely with Baker students to ensure a successful transition from classroom to hangar.”

Founded in 1939, George T. Baker Aviation Technical College is a public institution operated by M-DCPS and is recognised as a leader in aviation education. Accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and the National Center for Aircraft Technician Training (NCATT), the school is also certificated by the FAA. Approximately 1,000 M-DCPS high school and adult students are currently enrolled in aviation-related programmes at Baker. It is one of only two schools in Florida accredited by NCATT and the only institution in the nation offering NCATT-accredited courses to high school students.

Dr. Jose L. Dotres, superintendent of M-DCPS, said: “Through our partnership with American Airlines, we are developing tomorrow’s pioneers who will lead the aviation industry with unparalleled skill, passion and vision. At George T. Baker Aviation Technical College, innovation and excellence are not just goals — they are the wings that lift our students to new horizons, which makes M-DCPS your best choice.”

Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, said: “Investing in education opportunities for our residents is investing in the future of Miami-Dade County. Through inspiring partnerships like this, we are preparing our workers to access good jobs and succeed in the industries of the future. This is how you build an economy that works for all.”

American Airlines employs over 14,600 team members at its MIA hub, including more than 1,200 Technical Operations team members, many of whom are George T. Baker alumni.

Beyond its partnership with M-DCPS’ George T. Baker Technical College, American’s Technical Operations team also collaborates with the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in Chicago, Tulsa Tech in Oklahoma, and West Los Angeles College. These partnerships aim to ensure that future AMTs receive relevant, hands-on training and are equipped for success in aviation maintenance careers.

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