Universal Technical Institute announced that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently approved the Airframe and Powerplant Technician program at its Miramar campus, with classes now underway.  Universal Technical Institute is the transportation, skilled trades and energy education division of UTI, Inc. Students in the 18-month Airframe and Powerplant program at Miramar will learn to diagnose, repair and maintain aircraft and power plant components. Graduates will be prepared to pursue entry-level careers in the aviation field. They also will be eligible to apply and test for an FAA-issued mechanic certificate.

UTI-Miramar is the fifth campus to offer an aircraft mechanic program, joining UTI-Avondale in Ariz., UTI-Long Beach in Calif., MIAT-Canton in Mich., and MIAT-Houston in Texas. Total aviation technician employment is expected to exceed 146,000 by 2032, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Demand for aviation technicians is being driven, in part, by a rebound in post-pandemic air travel, as well as a wave of retirements among industry workers.

In October, Mayor Messam highlighted that aviation is a growing field in Miramar in his 2023 State of the City Address. In addition to the aviation program, UTI-Miramar offers 45-week Diesel Technology, 36-week Welding Technology and 51-week Automotive Technology Training programs. Graduates of the Automotive Technology program can enroll in BMW FastTrack, a 12-week Manufacturer Specific Advanced Training program where graduates earn seven BMW factory credentials. The first Miramar class of FastTrack graduated on Nov.

17, with 66 percent of its graduates having received employment offers from local BMW dealerships.