Pratt & Whitney Widens the Pipeline for Aviation Maintenance Workers
Pratt & Whitney extended a helping hand to aviation maintenance techs wearing oversized work gloves. Their sponsorship allowed five women studying aviation maintenance to overcome an even more fundamental challenge than male-scaled gear and equipment. The company’s generosity allowed the only all-female school team to get to the Aerospace Maintenance Competition presented by Snap-On and held annually with Aviation Week Network’s MRO Americas.
Think of it as the Olympics of aviation maintenance. In April, teams from commercial airlines, repair and manufacturing companies, schools and general aviation converged on Dallas. These highly skilled teams were vying for the O’Brien Trophy, a four-foot-tall bust of the father of aviation maintenance Charles E. Taylor. They faced 27 separate tests that required troubleshooting, cable rigging, damage inspection, removal and installation of units, and a human factors exam.
For industry, the prize is the expanding talent pipeline. Mary Anne Cannon, vice president of the company’s West Palm Beach Site & Development Operations, sees the sponsorship as an investment in critical talent. “We’re happy our donation showcased that hard work on such a big stage. The Aerospace Maintenance Competition at MRO Americas is a great opportunity for students — the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians — to connect with the skilled professionals already in the field to continue to inspire and learn from them.”
The team formed later than many competitors because of the pandemic. However, they quickly made up for lost practice time. Coach and assistant professor of Aviation Maintenance Science Cristin Klaus witnessed next-level teamwork as the competition progressed. “They are constantly going above and beyond to learn and perform with skill and efficiency, but I was proudest of how well they worked together.”
Early recognition from industry leaders such as Pratt & Whitney sets students up to succeed. “Sponsorships allow students to embark on unique experiences, such as factory tours and access to advanced training equipment – these opportunities solidify learning and encourage confidence. I am excited to see students grow into accomplished maintenance technicians and future leaders in aviation maintenance technology,” Klaus says.
Vanessa Vowotor (’22) has already launched toward leadership. Vowotor earned her Bachelor of Science in Aviation Maintenance Science, focusing on safety and accident investigation, the month after competing. A week after graduation, she moved to Virginia, where she is now an aircraft mechanic with United Airlines.
Klaus says the rest of the team still at Embry-Riddle are eager to go to the competition in Atlanta in 2023.