Wayne Community College has received a grant for $53,480 from the John M. Belk Endowment to support military personnel in becoming certified aircraft mechanics through its new Wayne Aviation Maintenance Accelerator course.
WCC trains students through classroom instruction and lab experience to earn aircraft mechanic certificates with airframe and powerplant ratings from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Once students complete the proper requirements, they may take the FAA’s written, oral, and practical exams for these certifications.
Through new funding from the John M. Belk Endowment, WCC will now offer two accelerated aviation maintenance preparatory courses, preparing individuals with military aviation experience to earn FAA certifications.
In addition to military aviation experience, potential students should also have either a Certificate of Completion from a 14 CFR Part 147 certificated aviation maintenance technician school or a completed and signed FAA Form 8610-2.
Since Goldsboro is home to Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the abbreviated courses will provide a new opportunity for Wayne County’s military community and address the statewide shortage in aircraft mechanics.
“We are deeply grateful to the John M. Belk Endowment for their support,” said WCC Dean of Applied Technologies Ernie White. “This investment will create meaningful opportunities for our military-affiliated community by providing a streamlined pathway to FAA certification, while also helping address the critical shortage of qualified aircraft mechanics in our region.”
The grant will allow WCC to support 10 military-experienced students and a course instructor and will cover supplies, testing costs, and marketing for the program.
The two courses will run from April 14–July 10 and Sept. 8–Dec. 10.
For more information, visit WCC’s website.
Sign up for a course by contacting WCC Aviation Instructor Mike Crumpler at 919-739-6824.
About Wayne Community College
Wayne Community College is a public, learning-centered institution with an open-door admission policy located in Goldsboro, N.C. As it works to develop a highly skilled and competitive workforce, the college serves around 10,000 individuals annually as well as businesses, industry, and community organizations with high quality, affordable, accessible learning opportunities, including more than 150 college credit programs. WCC’s mission is to meet the educational, training, and cultural needs of the communities it serves.