![\"Students](\"https:\/\/aviationweek.com\/sites\/default\/files\/inline-images\/international-aerotech-2.jpg\")
Markhoff also stresses the importance of these types of programs to combat the aviation industry workforce shortage. He notes that the school was launched by a group of former airline executives in 2017 who foresaw the growing workforce shortage. In addition to its Part 147 maintenance training, it also offers flight training (operating under International Aero Academy), a Part 145 maintenance operation (International Aero Maintenance), an air carrier certificate and charter operations (International Aero Charters). Markhoff says the idea was to build a \u201ccomplete holistic solution\u201d for industry partners.<\/p>\n
The school\u2019s first class of Part 147 students graduated in October 2021, with many students receiving job offers six months prior. \u201cEvery week we have everyone from Lufthansa Technik to airlines to MROs coming to speak with students,\u201d he says. \u201cEverybody\u2019s trying to recruit from this shrinking pool.\u201d<\/p>\n
Markhoff says International AeroTech Academy is now in discussions with several industry partners about other opportunities for students. In addition to the new program with Amazon, it also has partnerships in place with Spirit Airlines and Piper Aircraft. Students in its pilot training programs can apply to Spirit after reaching 500 hr. of flight time. If they pass the interview they receive a conditional letter of employment, after which they can begin employment with Spirit upon achieving 1,500 hr.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the school\u2019s students have an employment opportunity with Piper before they even begin classes. New students can interview with the aircraft manufacturer before classes start, and if they pass the interview they receive a conditional letter of employment.<\/p>\n