The Griffin Regional College and Career Academy (GRCCA) is partnering with Middle Georgia State University (MGA) to offer Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) dual-enrollment classes to high school students. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently approved the partnership, which launched on August 1 when the first cohort of high school students begins the general curriculum portion of the program. GRCCA serves high school students from Spalding, Butts and Pike counties providing career and technical education training as well as dual-enrollment opportunities.
"MGA’s School of Aviation is excited to partner with GRCCA. Aircraft maintenance is a vital part of Georgia’s aviation industry. It is essential that we continuously form partnerships that offer a great career path to more students and help fill this critical workforce need," stated MGA School of Aviation Dean Adon Clark.
GRCCA CEO/Principal Chad Pruitt stated, "The partnership between MGA and GRCCA is a great example of how Georgia is leading the way in flexibility for local systems to provide solutions to workforce demands. This collaboration will allow high school students from three rural school districts access to this amazing program. It is truly a win-win for both our students and the industry."
“This is an outstanding opportunity that our students may utilize to enter a pathway into a prosperous industry. They will have many career options in aviation that started in high school, right here at GRCCA,” stated Griffin-Spalding County School System (GSCS) Deputy Superintendent Dr. Donald Warren.
Former GSCS CTAE Director Laura Ergle stated, “The aviation hangar at GRCCA was designed to meet FAA requirements to provide the skills and hands-on experiences for some of the most in-demand careers in the state. Middle Georgia State University assisted us over the last five years in planning this hangar and program and now GRCCA students will have an opportunity to earn college credit with Georgia’s Flagship Aviation School. This partnership is a definite win for students in this region!"