For those considering going back to school this fall, the Covington County Economic Development Commission has secured funding for scholarships to the Alabama Aviation Center (AAC) training site, which is reopening at South Alabama Regional Airport this fall.

CCEDC executive director Rick Clifton said up to $10,000 will be available for the fall 2016 term, which begins Aug. 22.

The AAC in Andalusia offers training in aircraft maintenance and repair, giving students opportunities to earn the Short Certificate in General Aviation,  the Associate of Applied Science in Airframe Technology, and FAA certification as an airframe mechanic. With the credentials earned through the program, graduates qualify to apply for high-paying, in-demand jobs with new and expanding companies such as Army Fleet Support at Fort Rucker, Airbus, MAAS, and VTMAE in Mobile, Sikorsky in Troy, Commercial Jet in Dothan, and Vector Aerospace in Andalusia.

Clifton said the scholarship funds will be used to cover tuition and fees for one 5-hour AMT class per student at the Andalusia training site for the Fall 2016 term ($181/hour, or $905 for one class). Students will be responsible for books, supplies and any needed tools.

Enterprise State Community College will attempt to identify up to 11 students to receive this scholarship for the Fall 2016 term, he said.

Classes at the AAC will be offered to traditional adult students as well as dually enrolled high school students, and will be offered both days and evenings.

.Admission and registration will be on site at the AAC facility located at 21760 Bill Benton Lane, Andalusia, Alabama (at the Airport) every Tuesday from 8 a.m. to noon and every Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. through Aug. 17

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median annual salary for airframe mechanics is $58,370.  The Alabama Community College System has placed Aviation Maintenance Technology on the list of Alabama High-Demand, High Wage Career and Technical Programs with a Priority 1 ranking based on information from the Alabama Department of Labor and with the support of the  State’s Regional Workforce Development Councils.

For info, call ESCC at 334-347-2623 or can visit the College’s website at www.escc.edu.