Educational Opportunities Abound for Careers in Polk Aviation
Polk County’s four airports continue to grow to keep up with everything from cargo and commerical airlines to flight schools and recreational activities. Three educational institutions- Polk County Public Schools, Polk State College, and Southeastern University- are supplying local talent to work as pilots, mechanics, managers and more.
“The fact that we have so many educational opportunities that produce pilots, mechanics, engineers and more right here shows how much emphasis our county places on aviation and aerospace.”
Rick Garcia,
President & CEO of Gulf Coast Avionics and
Chair of the Central Florida Development Council’s Aviation Committee.
“Our goal is to keep that training going so the talent pool flows, and then keep the graduates in Polk County so they can fill high-skill, high-wage jobs and increase the average salary here, which benefits everyone.”
Garcia has hired graduates from the Central Florida Aerospace Academy and Polk State College as technicians and salespeople.
Boeing’s 2024 Pilot and Technician Outlook estimates the world will need nearly 650,000 pilots between 2024 and 2042. This includes nearly 130,000 in the United States alone.
The educational institutions training the next generation are more important than ever. They deserve celebration and recognition on National Aviation Day (August 19) and every day.
Central Florida Aerospace Academy
Polk County Public Schools operates the Central Florida Aerospace Academy on the SUN ‘n FUN and Aerospace Center for Excellence campus at Lakeland Linder International Airport. The career and technical high school academy provides students interested in aviation fields the chance to earn licenses and certificates while in high school. They also can learn to fly.
The program offers students five paths in aviation: aerospace tech, engineering, avionics, aircraft maintenance and unmanned aviation systems. Graduates from the program have pursued careers as pilots, engineers and aircraft mechanics.
Winter Haven Regional Airport replicated this program, to accommodate students in the eastern portion of the county.
Polk State College
Polk State College offers associate degrees in Aerospace Administration and Aviation Maintenance. It also has a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Sciences, and a non-degree certification in its Aircraft Dispatcher Program.
“Polk State is proud to serve as a leading workforce training provider in aerospace that prepares students for success in this in-demand, high-wage career field,” said Amy Bratten, Provost for Academic Affairs and Workforce Education. “Polk State utilizes a state-of-the-art approach to training that allows students from all aerospace degree paths to share knowledge and experience in a blended learning environment modeled on the actual operations of the modern aerospace industry.”
Southeastern University
Southeastern University’s mission for its aviation program is to “equip the next generation of pilots with an accessible and affordable degree program, preparing them to soar in their career through hands-on experience informed by problem-solving and grounded leadership,” according to its website.
It offers an Associate of Applied Sciences degree in Aviation/Professional Pilot and a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management.
“Southeastern University’s aviation program is not just vital to our academic community; it is a cornerstone of economic development in Polk County,” said Aviation Chair Kenneth Stephens. “By providing highly skilled aviation training in partnership with Kingsky Flight School, we are fostering an environment of excellence that equips the next generation of pilots and aviation professionals.”
The flight program has grown from seven to more than 40 aviators, he said. “SEU’S unique summer training program in partnership with the Air Force provides an opportunity for AFJROTC Cadets to earn a Private Pilot License in eight weeks or less.”
During that time, the program flies more than an average of 5,000 hours. And, it uses over 12,000 gallons of fuel from Polk’s four airports, Stephens said.
“SEU’S flight training program not only enriches their leadership skills but also stimulates local economies through flying, fueling and feeding.”
The program has graduated nearly 60 cadets, producing 44 pilots.
SUN ‘n FUN’s Aerospace Center for Excellence (ACE)
ACE offers programs year-round for students of every age- with everything from summer camps to field trips. It’s aim is “to provide the next generation with experiences and opportunities that will ignite their love of aviation and fuel their passion for pursuing a career in a STEM field,” according to its website.
It recently developed a curriculum that it offers to middle schools to reach students at an earlier age.
The first year, Introduction to Technology, is “designed to pique student interest in the aerospace field of study”. It introduces students to major areas of technology that support and advance the aerospace industry.
Year two is Aerospace Technology. It is “designed to prepare students for high school aviation programs and create excitement about continuing in aerospace study. … (It) examines specific aerospace technology and the engineering design process.”
Educational Symmetry
Polk provides so many educational opportunities in aviation beginning at a young age. Students are able to begin learning about a STEM career starting in elementary school and on. In return, this encourages a stronger talent pipeline for the county.
“There’s all of this educational symmetry, so what better way to expose our youth to aviation and keep them in our community instead of having them leave?” asked Kris Hallstrand, Director of Lakeland International Airport.
As the aviation industry continues to grow, so will educational opportunities in this same field. Polk is the perfect place to grow and maintain a career, none more true than in aviation and aerospace.
