State Rep. Kathy Schmaltz is seeking a $300,000 grant through the state budget process to help establish a new aircraft maintenance technician training school at Jackson County Airport – Reynolds Field.

Schmaltz, R-Jackson, testified before a House budget subcommittee this week alongside Airport Manager Juan Zapata to advocate for the funding, which would help establish a federally certified aviation maintenance technician trade school on airport grounds. The program would address a growing national shortage of skilled aviation mechanics while providing local students with a direct pathway into a high-demand, high-wage career.

“Michigan needs more opportunities that connect students to real careers, especially in skilled trades,” Schmaltz said. “This program will allow Jackson County students to graduate high school with their diploma, as well as industry certifications, a professional license, and a clear path to a good-paying job. It’s a smart investment in our workforce, our economy, and our community.”

The school would offer tuition-free training for 11th- and 12th-grade students, enabling them to complete the coursework required to become licensed aircraft maintenance technicians by the time they graduate. Recent high school graduates and adult learners would also be able to enroll at a reduced cost. Graduates are expected to enter a field with starting salaries around $70,000.

Funding would primarily be used to purchase specialized equipment needed to meet Federal Aviation Administration certification requirements. The airport will provide the facility, and the school will operate as an independent nonprofit overseen by a board of directors. Once established, tuition from adult students is expected to make the program financially self-sustaining.

“Most of the money will be needed to buy the equipment – all of the test stands where you put the engines so the students can take the engines apart and put them back together and all the machine shop equipment to build airplanes,” Zapata said. “So, an aviation maintenance technician will be able to build an airplane from scratch. They’ll be able to do the metal work. They’ll be able to do the riveting, welding, electrical work, pneumatics and hydraulics. We need all that equipment for that. The airport itself is going to provide the facility where we’ll put the school in.”

Federal projections indicate the U.S. could face a nearly 20% shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians by 2028. Local leaders say the Jackson program would help meet that demand while keeping talented young workers in the region.

“We’re incredibly excited about the momentum behind this program,” Schmaltz said. “Even before it’s launched, we’re already hearing about students and families who are eager for this opportunity. It shows just how much demand there is for hands-on career training that leads directly to a great job, and I’m proud to support a program that will help young people build a future right here in our community.”

The program is expected to launch in September 2027 with an initial class of approximately 30 students per year, with plans to expand if demand is high. Airport officials say they have already secured some private donations and equipment, including aircraft for training, but state support is needed to close the remaining funding gap.

Schmaltz will continue working through the budget process in the coming months to secure the one-time funding needed to get the program off the ground.