ST Engineering signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) this week with Pensacola State College to explore the joint creation of an FAA Part 147 Aircraft Maintenance Technician Training Academy in Pensacola, Florida. The collaboration is part of ST Engineering’s continued growth and expansion plans for its Pensacola-based MRO facility.

The MoU signing ceremony was held during the official opening of the airframe MRO complex’s 177,000-sq-ft hangar. It is the second facility to be completed out of the company’s planned four-hangar complex at Pensacola International Airport (KPNS). 

Under the agreement, ST Engineering and Pensacola State College will use their expertise and experience to establish the apprenticeship program and provide direct-to-industry job opportunities for the academy’s apprentices. At the same time, Pensacola State College will seek FAA approval for the academy partnership certification and work with ST Engineering to strengthen public awareness of career opportunities in the aviation sector. 

Targeting to welcome its first class in 2024, the academy will help support the talent needs of ST Engineering’s airframe MRO complex in Pensacola and help meet the hiring needs of the region’s growing aviation industry.