Aviation Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship
Get paid to train as an aircraft mechanic
Find your future at Academy College
Get paid, on-the-job training with self-study education. As a student in the aviation maintenance technician apprentice program*, you’ll earn a competitive wage while gaining the 30 months required for an Airframe and Powerplant certificate.
Our FAA-supported apprenticeship program partners with airlines, repair stations, and aviation employers throughout Minnesota and nationwide to provide real-world training opportunities. Complete exam prep coursework at your own pace while working full-time in the aviation maintenance industry.
Why choose Academy College?
- Complete exam prep coursework at your own pace
- Get paid while preparing for your A&P license
- Gain required experience at FBOs, MROs, and the airlines
*The Aviation Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship is not an ACCSC-accredited program.
Interested in learning more?
Aviation maintenance career outlook
*Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
average AMT salary with experience*
annual job openings for aircraft maintenance technicians*
projected job growth for aircraft mechanics through 2032.* A very high growth rate.
AMT apprenticeship details
How It Works
The aviation maintenance apprenticeship program combines structured on-the-job training with self-study academics, allowing you to earn while you learn. You’ll work full-time while learning directly from experienced mechanics. Plus, Academy College assists in tracking all documentation required to apply for FAA certification.
The apprenticeship process:
- Begin paid employment at an FBO, MRO, or airline
- Work under the supervision of certified A&P mechanics
- Complete self-study coursework using FAA-supported materials
- Gain hands-on experience with various aircraft systems
- Document your training hours and experience areas
- Prepare for FAA certification exams as you approach 30 months
Requirements
What it takes:
- Ability to read, write, and understand English
- Basic mechanical aptitude
- Commitment to completing 30 months of training
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum age 18 years
- Willingness to work full-time while studying
Curriculum
The self-study curriculum covers all FAA-required subjects for A&P certification, using FAA-supported materials provided to each apprentice.
Core subject areas include:
- Aircraft materials and hardware
- Aircraft structures and systems
- Electrical systems
- General maintenance practices and regulations
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Inspection and documentation procedures
- Powerplant theory and operations
- Safety practices and regulations
Certification Path
The FAA-supported apprenticeship provides the documented experience required to qualify for A&P certification testing. Academy College handles the official documentation of your training hours, provides FAA-supported curriculum and materials, and offers administrative support throughout the entire process.
Steps to certification:
- Complete 30 months of apprenticeship
- Document all required experience areas
- Pass the FAA oral and practical examinations
- Pass the FAA written examinations
- Receive Airframe and Powerplant certificate
Career Partners
Academy College works with aviation employers throughout the United States to provide apprenticeship opportunities for our students. Our connections give you access to employers who are committed to training. Many apprentices continue working with their employers full-time after earning their A&P certification.
Types of employers seeking apprentices:
- Airlines and air carriers
- Corporate flight departments
- FAA-certified repair stations
- Fixed-base operators (FBOs)
- Maintenance, repair, and overhaul facilities
Our aviation management technician students speak up
Looking for qualified AMT apprentices?
Partner with Academy College to access motivated AMT apprentices ready to join your maintenance team. We simplify the work by handling FAA documentation requirements and providing a structured training curriculum. That frees you to focus on developing skilled A&P mechanics for your organization.
FAQs
Good questions
How is an apprenticeship different from traditional A&P school?
You’ll work full-time at an aviation employer while completing self-study coursework. As an apprentice, you earn a salary while training. Traditional programs require full-time classroom attendance.
Do I need aviation experience to start?
No prior aviation experience is required. You’ll need basic mechanical aptitude and a willingness to learn.
How do I find an employer for my apprenticeship?
Academy partners with FBO/MROs around the country to help you get placed.
How much can I earn as an apprentice?
According to U.S. occupational data, apprentices in aviation maintenance can expect starting wages in the range of $18-22 per hour, while mechanics holding an A&P certification can earn $30-40+ per hour (with many in top 25 % earning more than $40/hr).
Is the program FAA-approved?
The Aviation Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship is FAA-supported, meaning it follows FAA standards and guidance, but it is not an FAA-approved program. The program provides the documented experience required to qualify for A&P certification testing.
What if I already have some aviation maintenance experience?
Previous documented experience may count toward the 30-month requirement. Contact our admissions team to evaluate your experience and determine how much additional time you’ll need to complete.
Start your aviation maintenance training at Academy College
