A partnership between Atlantic County, NJ and Atlantic Cape Community College (ACCC) has been finalized to develop training programs for aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul technicians to boost employment in a region that is facing economic challenges.

“Atlantic County has high unemployment and some of the highest rates of home foreclosure in the country,” said Howard Kyle, Atlantic County’s chief of staff. “The county has embarked on an aggressive effort to diversify the local economy, and aviation was identified as one of several strategic industries in a recent Atlantic County Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan. It identified MRO and cargo handling operations at Atlantic City International Airport (ACY) as economic development opportunities that would create jobs and generate economic growth.”

A “memorandum of understanding” has been signed between the county and ACCC so the college can develop the training program needed to prepare students for FAA certification. The program also will offer courses to allow students to work toward an associate of applied science degree in aviation maintenance after transferring to several four-year college programs.

Atlantic County has also been working with the South Jersey Transportation Authority, which operates ACY, to fill the critical industry-wide need for more certified aviation technicians.

“The steady availability of trained A&P mechanics coming through the Atlantic County Aviation Academy will not only help stimulate the development of expanded MRO operations at ACY, it will also lead to growth in general and business aviation throughout the region.”

Learn more about Atlantic City International Airport.