The Aviation Department at Snead State Community College has partnered with ACE Aeronautics, a Guntersville-based aviation company, to provide students with valuable career opportunities. This collaboration connects students with apprenticeships, jobs, and hands-on experience in a high-demand industry, bridging the gap between education and the workforce.
Through this partnership, Snead State students have been able to interview with ACE, with several being offered positions working on advanced military aircraft. These skilled jobs offer unique opportunities to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
Jonah Hall, a sophomore from Albertville and originally from Orlando, Fla., transitioned from working on cars to pursuing a career in aviation after earning a scholarship to Snead State.
“I’ve always enjoyed mechanical work, and I sort of fell into aviation. It takes perseverance, and the days can be long. It’s been tough but rewarding.”
Hall’s proximity to ACE was a key factor in pursuing the opportunity. “It’s just 10–16 minutes from my house. Getting hired at ACE has been amazing. I’ve learned so much about rotary aircraft and complex terminology. We’re working on government-contracted helicopters. It’s a level of responsibility and opportunity that most students don’t get right out of school,” he said.
Cutler Lewis of Guntersville spent 12 years as a truck driver before deciding to pursue a career that would keep him at home more. Using his GI Bill, he returned to his aviation roots after serving five years in the Air Force. “Working at ACE has brought me full circle,” he said. “The military background I have fits perfectly here.”
Lewis praised the unique hands-on training he’s received at ACE. “Snead State teaches us general aviation, but ACE takes it to another level by helping us develop a precise technique and apply what we’ve learned. This is an opportunity of a lifetime, and it’s awesome that we’ve given this chance right out of college.”
For Lillyian Smith, a sophomore from Albertville, aviation offers a creative outlet. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do until I toured Snead State and fell in love with aviation,” she said. “Working with sheet metal is a craft—it’s challenging but incredibly rewarding.”
Smith’s work at ACE has been a transformative experience. “Being on the job and seeing the process has been amazing. My supervisor is so patient and helps me improve every day,” she said.
Greg Cooper of Addison highlighted the rare opportunities offered by ACE.
“As students, we’re getting to work on military rotorcraft—something most mechanics don’t experience right out of school,” he said. “It’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.”
Cooper noted how ACE fosters a learning environment. “The mechanics here are willing to help, and the projects are diverse. It’s a launching pad for anyone wanting to advance in aerospace.”
Chris Wood of Guntersville hopes to continue with ACE after he completes the Aviation program.
“I knew that Snead State had a school at the Albertville Airport, but I had never toured it. When Snead first started the program, it only offered Airframe (Technology), but once the College added PowerPlant (Technology), it changed everything. The opportunities we’ve had aren’t offered everywhere. We work within a structure, but we also work independently. We have the freedom to learn as we work,” he said.
Rich Enderle with ACE Aeronautics emphasized the significance of the partnership.
“We’re growing rapidly, and having skilled mechanics from Snead State is a huge asset,” he said. “These students come prepared, and the work they do matters. The life of the pilot depends on it.”
Founded in 2015, ACE Aeronautics has expanded significantly, with its Guntersville location doubling in size in recent years. The company now focuses on entire aircraft modifications, including military helicopters.
ACE’s involvement with Snead State extends beyond the workshop. As part of the advisory board for the College’s Aviation program, they help shape the aviation program’s curriculum.
“This partnership is a win for everyone,” Enderle said. “The students gain experience, and we get passionate, skilled workers who are eager to learn.”
“To have so many of our students utilize the opportunity provided by ACE is a huge deal,” said Snead State Director of Aviation Nick Sauls. “This is the first time we’ve had so many aviation students working in the industry in Marshall County. I’m proud that this partnership has proven successful, and I’m excited to see where this opportunity takes our students.
Anyone interested in the Aviation Program at Snead State Community College can contact Sauls at nicholas.sauls@snead.edu or visit snead.edu/aviation for more information.