Students in West Los Angeles College’s aviation maintenance technician program have new tools in their toolboxes. Thanks to a new partnership with American Airlines, these students now have direct access to the airline’s Los Angeles-based aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) through ongoing engagement opportunities and guaranteed interviews for top-performing students.
At a recent ceremony celebrating the partnership, American Airlines Vice President of Line Maintenance Evita “Evie” Garces said “American is excited to partner with West Los Angeles College to train the next generation of aviation maintenance professionals. Well-trained AMTs are in high demand, and West prepares students for successful, lucrative careers. Our team of locally-based AMTs is eager to work side-by-side with students, providing ongoing mentorship and real-world experience. American has proudly served Los Angeles for more than 75 years and this is just one more way we continue to support the community where our customers and team members live and work.” She added that the industry expects to need over 130,000 technicians in the United States over the next 20 years.
Garces was particularly inspiring to the women in the WLAC program as she was once an aviation maintenance technician for American herself, before rising through the ranks. Garces, the daughter of Dominican parents, is the first woman to hold this position.
“The students, faculty and staff at West are collectively excited about the launch of a new partnership with American Airlines, and the unique opportunities it will provide our students,” said Dr. James Limbaugh, President of West Los Angeles College. “American’s team of aviation maintenance professionals is the best in the business and we look forward to welcoming them to campus. Our students will benefit greatly from their expertise and will have a competitive edge when they graduate and enter the workforce. At West, our motto is ‘Go West. Go Far.’ With this partnership, our students will go even further than before.”
This partnership is additional good news for the college which recently was granted permission to offer a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology: Avionics. West is one of only 29 California Community Colleges authorized to offer a Bachelor’s degree program and one of only four colleges authorized to offer two Bachelor’s degree programs. West’s other Bachelor’s degree offered is in Dental Hygiene.
Michelle Long-Coffee
