AAR aviation interns graduate in Oklahoma
AAR, a provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, hosted an internship graduation ceremony for 10 students who spent their summer learning about aviation and career opportunities at the company’s Oklahoma facility.
During the 10-week internship programme, students participated in on-the-job training and benefited from mentorship from AAR’s team leaders. AAR and Choose Aerospace developed the high school internship programme to foster interest in careers in the industry.
Levi Lentz, GM of AAR’s airframe MRO facility in Oklahoma City, welcomed students and parents, thanked the many partners who contributed to the program’s success, and highlighted the growth of aviation in Oklahoma.
“Congratulations to our latest high school intern graduates! They worked hard this summer and gained valuable knowledge in aviation maintenance. This internship’s success is truly a collaborative effort,” said Lentz.
Grayson Ardies, state director of the Oklahoma Aeronautics Commission, said: “Our aerospace education initiatives are essential in addressing workforce challenges and ensuring that Oklahoma remains a leader in the aerospace industry.
“The dedication of our educators and the enthusiasm of students is the key to our success.
“Oklahoma is offering students an introductory look to the industry and prepares them with STEM concepts that are fundamental to their future careers.
“We are seeing students who have an interest in aerodynamics, now choosing aerospace engineering when they go off to college. We have students who are mechanically inclined now pursuing their aircraft technician certifications, and students who were not seeking private pilot certifications are now exploring support roles in the industry.
“We are learning from our teachers and students that Aerospace is open for everyone.”
“Inspiring high school students to pursue a career in the aviation industry is critical to meeting the workforce challenges that exist today,” said Ryan Goertzen, AAR’s VP of Workforce Development. “Internship programmes like ours create the needed pipelines to meet current and future demand for aviation maintenance technicians.”
