Aerospace products and parts remain Arkansas’s leading export, generating nearly $1.5 billion for the state in 2024 and signaling strong future growth alongside a rising demand for skilled workers. To meet this need, several organizations have joined forces to support aspiring aviation maintenance technicians. North Arkansas College, Clinton School District, Clinton Municipal Airport, and industry partner Dawson Aircraft have collaborated to provide hands-on training, equipping individuals with the skills to inspect, troubleshoot, service, and repair aircraft components and systems. The training is currently in development and will be offered to high school seniors next fall.
This innovative public-private partnership comes at a crucial time, as the aviation industry faces a severe shortage of trained maintenance professionals, with more than 13,000 job openings annually in aircraft maintenance.
"We believe this partnership is a huge step toward enabling our community to tap into Arkansas's biggest export, Aerospace,” Trevor Dawson, sales and operations manager at Dawson Aircraft said. “Our company is grateful for the opportunity to advance aviation, especially in training local students. We are committed to supporting Northark, Clinton High School and the Clinton Municipal Airport in our mission to make aviation accessible to Arkansans.”
Students will meet for class at the Clinton Municipal Airport this fall to gain hands-on experience working with real aircraft and industry professionals, allowing them to develop essential aviation maintenance skills. The program covers key subjects such as aerodynamics, aircraft handling, electricity, and other critical aviation-related topics. The two-semester training covers the knowledge and skills outlined in the FAA Aviation Mechanic General Airman Certification Standards (ACS), providing a strong foundation for students who progress to an approved FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician School. In addition to earning Northark’s Certificate of Proficiency, completers will have the opportunity to earn the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) General Aviation Maintenance Credential. This credential enhances employability for those going straight into the workforce.
"Northark is thrilled to help bring aviation maintenance training to students in Clinton," said President Rick Massengale. "Industry partnerships enrich education by providing valuable real-world knowledge, creating a more impactful learning experience for students. Dawson Aircraft is a fantastic company, and I appreciate their commitment to collaborating with the airport and school district to develop a skilled workforce that meets the needs of the aviation industry."
Access to aviation training in high school provides students with a faster pathway into the workforce while expanding their understanding of career opportunities in the aviation industry.
Clinton School District Superintendent Jay Chalk says, “The Clinton School District prides itself on being at the forefront of student focused learning seeking out innovative opportunities. When we had the opportunity to collaborate with Northark and Dawson Aircraft on this groundbreaking project we knew this was another step forward in creating even more opportunities for our students. It has been awesome to align with people who have dreams and a vision like Dr. Massengale and Trevor Dawson. Through this program we are not only giving students the opportunity to become certified in a high demand field we are giving students an opportunity to learn a trade that allows them to work right here in Clinton. This partnership is one that will grow our school and community.”