Pellissippi State Community College has been awarded nearly $2 million through the third round of the Governor’s Investment in Vocational Education (GIVE) Grants, to support the creation of a two-year associate degree in aviation technology, with a focus on aviation maintenance technician training.

The new degree program, located at Pellissippi State’s Blount County Campus, will provide students with hands-on training in cutting-edge aviation technology, and allow them to work with emerging innovations in design, creation, testing, installation of aviation electronics, aircraft structures and mechanical systems.

“This is a tremendous collaboration with the Blount Partnership that will have a significant impact on our students and local businesses alike,” said Patty Weaver, Pellissippi State vice president for external affairs. “With a widening gap between the number of retiring aircraft mechanics and those entering the field, this partnership ensures we are responsive to the workforce needs of area businesses who are seeking skilled professionals, while providing our students with meaningful career opportunities.”

The GIVE program, established in 2019, is designed to address skills gaps in Tennessee’s workforce by supporting the development of career pathways that connect postsecondary institutions with local K-12 school systems and local employers.

Grants of up to $2 million each are awarded through the GIVE program to collaborative efforts that create or expand academic programs, develop work-based learning experiences or provide industry-recognized certifications in areas of high demand.

“The state with the workers will win every time, and that’s why workforce development has been one of my top priorities since day one,” said Gov. Bill Lee. “As a result, companies are choosing to invest and expand in our state, creating greater opportunity and quality of life for all Tennesseans.”

Pellissippi State’s program will equip students with the necessary skills to pursue careers as airframe and powerplant (A&P) maintenance technicians. To graduate, they will need to pass the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification exams, both in knowledge and practical skills.

Aircraft mechanics that graduate from this program will be in high demand for aviation jobs and in other fields that require high mechanical knowledge. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aviation industry will need to fill approximately 12,000 aircraft mechanic positions annually to keep up with demand.

Pellissippi State’s new degree program aims to help bridge this gap by providing highly qualified graduates to meet workforce needs.

“We are incredibly grateful for Gov. Lee’s support through the GIVE 3.0 Grant,” Weaver said. “Over the next year, we’ll be developing the program with the goal of launching it for students in fall 2025.

Pellissippi State Community College is a public community college based in Knox and Blount counties in Tennessee and operated by the Tennessee Board of Regents. The college operates four campuses: Hardin Valley, Blount County, Strawberry Plains and Magnolia Avenue.