Help Your Students Turn Learning into Opportunity

​Completing the Choose Aerospace curriculum gives students a strong foundation in aviation maintenance. The ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential gives them an independent, third-party way to demonstrate what they have learned—and that validation is becoming increasingly valuable. 

The credential can help students show FAA-certificated part 147 schools and prospective employers that they have developed meaningful aviation maintenance knowledge through their Choose Aerospace coursework. It can also provide valuable third-party validation for local CTE programs, helping schools demonstrate that their instruction is preparing students for continued education and careers in the industry. 

Most importantly, the credential is already creating tangible opportunities for Choose Aerospace completers. 

Saint Francis University recognizes the ATEC Credential as evidence that a Choose Aerospace completer has satisfied the requirements for General credit. At Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, a CA completer who earns the credential may qualify for the ADVANCED level of the PIA Next-Gen Aviation Pathway Grant—providing $1,500 toward tuition every semester, up to $7,500. 

These opportunities illustrate why earning the credential can be much more than a line on a student’s résumé. It may help a completer receive college credit, avoid repeating material, reduce the cost of training, or move more quickly toward an FAA mechanic certificate and a career in aviation maintenance. 

Last May and June, several programs participated in the credential process. Thirty-three Choose Aerospace completers sat for the credential, and 20 passed—showing that students who engage with the curriculum can successfully validate their learning through an independent, challenging assessment. 

Preparation should begin far before students reach the end of the program. Programs of every age, including those beginning their first year with Choose Aerospace, can build credential preparation into their programs from the start. Participating programs receive access to ASA Prepware included in program fees, allowing students to become familiar with the material, identify areas where they need more practice, and strengthen their knowledge throughout their Choose Aerospace experience. 

There is also no cost for students to participate in the credential process. That makes this a powerful, accessible opportunity to strengthen your program while giving students another way to carry their learning forward. 

Choose Aerospace will send detailed instructions to participating programs in the coming weeks. For now, begin talking with your students about the credential, consider how Prepware can fit into your program, and watch for information on how your school can take the next step. 

Learn more about the opportunities available to Choose Aerospace completers through our Partner Pathways.