Aircraft Maintenance Technicians have the primary focus of keeping aircraft flying safely and efficiently. Technicians will inspect, repair, troubleshoot, and test aircraft structures, systems, and components. Technicians who enter the manufacturing segmentwill fabricate, test, and research newways to build today's advanced aircraft while others may work on the fast paced flight line doing preventative maintenance before an airplane takes off for its next flight. Some AMT's will specialize in one area-of aviation maintenance and some-will worlcon the aircraft from the nose to the tail. Because there is such a continued demand for safe air travel there is a growing need for qualified technicians to keep the aircraft flying.

The Aircraft Dispatch Program involves classroom instruction that includes real world flight planning. Upon completion of the Aircraft Dispatch Program, the student is prepared and eligible to apply for a certification by the F.A.A. as an Aircraft Dispatcher. The student is prepared to enter the aviation industry at an entry level as aircraft dispatcher or flight follower. Additionally, the technical skills learned in this program are transferable and demanded by other industries. Consequently, graduates also are prepared for an entry-level position in non-aviation industries, including emergency services such as police and fire, as well as other transportation sectors such as railroads.

Aircraft Dispatchers and flight followers accept the responsibility of planning and controlling all phases of flight operations and can choose to enter a number of different segments in the aviation industry. Major airlines, national airlines, regional airlines, and corporate aviation are included among the many employers of graduates of Michigan Institute of Aviation and Technology.

Dispatchers have an exciting and challenging work environment because no two days or shifts are the same. Transportation Dispatch Specialists have an array of transferable skills that can be used in various disciplines such as aviation, emergency services, trucking dispatch, public utilities, rail, and public safety. Dispatchers schedule and/or dispatch workers, equipment, freight, or service vehicles as needed by the public. A Dispatch Specialist will exercise sound judgment and utilize problem solving skills to effectively recommend actions. Why explore this career path? A graduate of the program will choose from many career opportunities in a variety of specialties within the transportation and public service industries.

Power Plant Operators maintain a wide variety of equipment including boilers, turbines, air conditioning equipment, pumps, compressors, and generators which makes it possible for a power plant to run at peak operation. Operators monitor instruments to maintain and regulate electricity flow from the power plant. Power Plant Operators also conduct preventative maintenance and repair and maintain power plant equipment to meet safety and efficient operational standards. Many operators work various shifts including weekends and holidays to keep the plant up and running. Overtime is often available during seasons when there is increased power usage by consumers. To view news articles about the shortage of technicians, visit www.cewd.org.

Wind Technician careers are growing rapidly as the expansion of wind energy grows. The U.S. wind energy industry is constructing equipment in record numbers and wind power is one of the largest sources of new power generation in the country. Wind Technicians will be able to live anywhere there is a wind farm or a wind equipment manufacturing facility. There will also be options to work as a Traveling Field Technician if a person is looking fora more mobile career option. The Wind Industry is very conscientious of safety and will expect a Technician to have extensive safety training. Also strong knowledge of mechanical and electrical skills will increase career options as well as the ability to troubleshoot complex equipment.

Electricity is vital to our everyday life. From the moment we wake up and flip a switch to turn on the lights we connect to a huge network of people, electrical lines, and generating equipment. Over 50% of today's power generation facilities in the United States are over 30 years old. Additionally, the demand for electricity is expected to grow by more than 20% each year. To keep up with this demand we need more facilities to produce electricity. Thishas created a high demand-for field service technicians to maintain equipment at coal fuel power plants, gas turbine facilities, and other facilities that generate the electricity that keeps our country running.