National Aviation Academy (NAA) and United have joined hands to offer aviation maintenance technician students a direct pathway to enter United’s new Calibrate Technician Pathway Program. NAA is one of the few Part 147 schools certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to partner with United on this program. This collaboration will provide students with a unique opportunity to pursue their passion for aviation and enjoy a successful career with United.
“Launching this new program alongside highly regarded institutions whose high-quality training and aviation education will help us to reach our United Next and maintenance technician hiring goals,” said Simone Drakes, Managing Director of Calibrate.
After being accepted into the Calibrate Technician Pathway Program, students must maintain a high GPA and attendance record to remain in the hiring pool post-graduation. United Airlines will be hosting interviews, open houses, and career fairs at NAA to help students start their career journey.
In collaboration with United’s talent acquisition team, students will be given the opportunity to apply and interview at the airline’s Tech Ops Recruiting Center in Houston. After successfully completing all necessary certifications, students will be given priority screening consideration and will benefit from United’s vast ecosystem, including access to mentorship opportunities with seasoned maintenance technicians and its 42 domestic Technical Operations stations.
Looking ahead, United plans to expand the program to include its United Express carriers and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul partners.
Pam Van Sant, NAA’s President, adds, “Industry demand directly reflects the vital importance of aviation maintenance technicians and their work, and the need to establish pathways connecting quality training to these in-demand careers is critical. It’s an honor to partner with United knowing the impact the Calibrate Pathway will have for National Aviation Academy students.”
The Technician Pathway Program is a unique initiative that is separate from the current Calibrate Apprenticeship Program. It focuses on bringing in fully certified new hires. In November of last year, United Airlines, in collaboration with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Federal Aviation Administration, launched Calibrate, an in-house apprenticeship program. The program is designed to enhance United Airlines’ pipeline of maintenance technicians. In 2024, United will begin to accept external applications for apprentices from its global employee base and external candidates. This move will increase access to aviation careers.
According to Boeing’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook, commercial fleet operators and maintenance, repair, and overhaul providers will need an estimated 690,000 new aviation maintenance technicians over the next 20 years. Career pathways like Calibrate help prospective technicians obtain the requisite training and experience to meet the demand and service of the aviation industry.