Program expands access, strengthens Maine’s aviation workforce and advances statewide economic development
BRUNSWICK — The University of Maine at Augusta celebrated the continued growth of its Aviation Maintenance Technician School on Nov. 12 with an open house at Brunswick Landing. The event brought together industry, government and university leaders to highlight UMA’s growing role in aviation workforce development in Maine.
Maine’s first and only Federal Aviation Administration Part 147-certified aviation maintenance technician program, UMA’s AMTS educates students to become licensed aircraft mechanics. The five-semester, 56-credit program combines flexible online learning with weekend, in-person labs. Students prepare for the FAA Airframe & Powerplant certificate through applied skill-building by working on real aircraft systems as well as using advanced simulation and virtual reality technologies. Each cohort admits up to 25 students, with the first group on track to graduate in May 2026.
The program was developed in direct response to Maine employers’ need for skilled aviation maintenance professionals. Until recently, Maine was one of only a few states without an AMTS, forcing aviation employers to recruit talent from out of state. UMA’s program helps develop and retain Maine’s workforce, strengthen the $2 billion aviation sector and create new career opportunities in aircraft maintenance, a high demand-field offering strong earning potential and long-term growth.
“This program represents the very best of UMA’s mission,” said Jenifer Cushman, president of the University of Maine at Augusta. “We are creating access to opportunity, driving innovation and building the programs that Maine and our nation need most. UMA’s aviation programs show what is possible when education, technology and workforce development come together to prepare students for the future.”
UMA’s AMTS was made possible through state and federal investments supported by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, the Maine Technology Institute and Congressionally Directed Spending secured by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King. With their support, UMA turned a shared vision into reality, creating new opportunities in aviation education and helping strengthen Maine’s aviation workforce.
“We are preparing students for meaningful, high-demand careers and helping Maine’s aviation employers meet critical workforce needs,” said Maria Wilcox, program manager of UMA’s Aviation Maintenance Technician School. “Our students are learning on real equipment, using cutting-edge tools and gaining the skills to be hired and contribute to Maine’s workforce immediately after graduation.”
UMA’s aviation offerings extend beyond maintenance to include a Bachelor of Science in Aviation and a degree in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. Together, these programs form an integrated aviation education pathway that serves students across Maine and beyond. Looking ahead, UMA and the University of Maine System are exploring plans to expand aviation education, including a satellite aviation maintenance school in Limestone and future opportunities in air traffic control training.
“The University of Maine System is proud to support UMA’s growing Aviation Maintenance Technician School, which is opening new doors for Maine students to launch rewarding, high-demand careers while strengthening our state’s aviation sector,” said Chancellor Dannel Malloy. “This is exactly the kind of innovative, workforce-focused education and training employers can expect our public universities to develop and deliver to power Mainers’ upward mobility and our economy.”
UMA’s aviation programs create clear pathways for students to gain in-demand skills and strengthen Maine’s workforce. Through studies in aircraft maintenance, piloting and uncrewed systems, UMA offers hands-on learning, flexible options and strong industry partnerships that prepare students for rewarding careers and a bright future in the field.
