Snead State Community College received a boost for the implementation of the second part of its new Aviation program – PowerPlant Technology.

The Appalachian Regional Commission awarded the college a $199,621 grant to implement a PowerPlant program. The Aviation program currently has students in its Airframe Technology program, which trains the students on repair of all aspects of an aircraft with the exception of the engine. 

The PowerPlant program will train students to work on aircraft engines, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to take the Federal Aviation Administration’s exam to be certified as an aviation maintenance technician. Pending FAA approval, the College plans to enroll students into the PowerPlant program by the Fall 2018.

With the addition of the PowerPlant component, Snead State anticipates enrolling 50 students into the Aviation program during the first two years and having at least 35 of those students obtain jobs in the Aviation field.

“This much-needed funded will aid us in the purchase of equipment to provide the best possible training and experience for our students. We’re excited to move forward with the program. We believe it’s an asset to our region and our state,” said Snead State President Dr. Robert Exley.

The program operates out of the Aviation College located at the Albertville Regional Airport. The airframe program opened under Enterprise State Community College, and the transition of moving the program to Snead State’s programs of study was complete this spring.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian region. The ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia and help the regions achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.

For more information on the Aviation program at Snead State Community College, visit snead.edu/aviation.