As part of Ā鶹APP 60th Anniversary celebration, we are proud to spotlight Isabella Puleo, a senior in the Bachelor’s of Applied Science program.

Isabella is already making her mark on the aviation industry beyond the classroom. As a third-semester student in the Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS), she serves as a work-study student supporting program operations and gains hands-on experience as part of the line crew at MacJets. She is also an active member of the Women in Aviation International, Wild Blue Chapter, participating in outreach to empower other women in the field.

to hear Isabella describe the moment she discovered her future was in aviation maintenance.

Program expands access, strengthens Maineā€™s aviation workforce and advances statewide economic development

UMA celebrated the continued growth of its Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) on Nov. 12 with an open house at Brunswick Landing. The event brought together industry, government and university leaders to highlight Ā鶹APP growing role in aviation workforce development in Maine.

Maineā€™s first and only Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 147-certified aviation maintenance technician program, Ā鶹APP AMTS educates students to become licensed aircraft mechanics. The five-semester, 56-credit program combines flexible online learning with weekend, in-person labs. Students prepare for the FAA Airframe & Powerplant certificate through applied skill-building by working on real aircraft systems as well as using advanced simulation and virtual reality technologies. Each cohort admits up to 25 students, with the first group on track to graduate in May 2026.

The program was developed in direct response to Maine employersā€™ need for skilled aviation maintenance professionals. Until recently, Maine was one of only a few states without an AMTS, forcing aviation employers to recruit talent from out of state. Ā鶹APP program helps develop and retain Maineā€™s workforce, strengthen the and create new career opportunities in aircraft maintenance, a high demand-field offering strong earning potential and long-term growth.

ā€œThis program represents the very best of Ā鶹APP mission,ā€ said Jenifer Cushman, president of the Ā鶹APP. ā€œWe are creating access to opportunity, driving innovation and building the programs that Maine and our nation need most. Ā鶹APP aviation programs show what is possible when education, technology and workforce development come together to prepare students for the future.ā€

Ā鶹APP AMTS was made possible through state and federal investments supported by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, the Maine Technology Institute and Congressionally Directed Spending secured by U.S. Sens. Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and Angus King. With their support, UMA turned a shared vision into reality, creating new opportunities in aviation education and helping strengthen Maineā€™s aviation workforce.

ā€œWe are preparing students for meaningful, high-demand careers and helping Maineā€™s aviation employers meet critical workforce needs,ā€ said Maria Wilcox, program manager of Ā鶹APP Aviation Maintenance Technician School. ā€œOur students are learning on real equipment, using cutting-edge tools and gaining the skills to be hired and contribute to Maineā€™s workforce immediately after graduation.ā€

Ā鶹APP aviation offerings extend beyond maintenance to include a Bachelor of Science in Aviation and a degree in Uncrewed Aircraft Systems. Together, these programs form an integrated aviation education pathway that serves students across Maine and beyond. Looking ahead, UMA and the University of Maine System are exploring plans to expand aviation education, including a satellite aviation maintenance school in Limestone and future opportunities in air traffic control training.

ā€œThe University of Maine System is proud to support Ā鶹APP growing Aviation Maintenance Technician School, which is opening new doors for Maine students to launch rewarding, high-demand careers while strengthening our stateā€™s aviation sector,ā€ said Chancellor Dannel Malloy. ā€œThis is exactly the kind of innovative, workforce-focused education and training employers can expect our public universities to develop and deliver to power Mainersā€™ upward mobility and our economy.ā€

Ā鶹APP aviation programs create clear pathways for students to gain in-demand skills and strengthen Maineā€™s workforce. Through studies in aircraft maintenance, piloting and uncrewed systems, UMA offers hands-on learning, flexible options and strong industry partnerships that prepare students for rewarding careers and a bright future in the field.