ALOFT Academy Takes Off

Developing the next generation of aviation mechanics in Sussex County

BY JEWEL ALTIMUS

IN JUNE 2025, ALOFT AeroArchitects launched the first cohort of ALOFT Academy, an in-house, fully compensated training program designed to develop the next generation of aircraft technicians and mechanics in Sussex County. Upon graduation in October 2025, participants will transition directly into positions at ALOFT’s FAA-certified repair station.

ALOFT Academy was designed to solve two challenges: meeting our company’s growing workforce needs and expanding access to meaningful, well-paid careers in the aviation industry, especially for local residents. The curriculum was developed in-house by ALOFT’s subject matter experts to reflect the company’s specific needs and standards. The program is rigorous yet accessible, providing a clear and supportive pathway into aviation for individuals interested in, starting, or changing careers. By blending classroom instruction with hands-on workshop learning, students gain the knowledge, confidence, and technical skills needed to succeed.

The pilot course, a 16-week paid training program, focuses on the foundational skills required to become an aircraft structures mechanic. Students learn technical concepts in a newly built classroom and apply them in a workshop environment, practicing essential skills such as drilling, riveting, and reading technical drawings using scrap metal and standard aircraft tools. Instruction emphasizes real-world application aligned with ALOFT’s FAA-certified processes. The result: graduates who are job-ready on day one.

The program offers paid training at $20 per hour and includes retention incentives, such as a fully-loaded toolbox that graduates may keep after two years of employment. Participants are also eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, and a 401(k) plan with company match. Tuition reimbursement is available to support continued education and career growth at ALOFT.

Looking ahead, ALOFT is actively developing additional tracks in aircraft interiors and avionics, offering more ways for individuals to enter and grow within the industry. The Academy also partners with local schools and workforce organizations to build a strong and sustainable talent pipeline throughout the region.

In addition to ALOFT Academy, the company supports future aviation professionals through student apprentice and scholarship opportunities at Delaware Technical Community College. This includes the ALOFT AeroArchitects Endowed Scholarship and the Hometown Hero Scholarship Endowment for students pursuing Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certifications through the college’s Aviation Maintenance Technology Program. Together, these programs provide both traditional and alternative pathways into Delaware’s growing aerospace workforce.

ALOFT Academy reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the local economy, addressing talent shortages, and investing in people. At its core, ALOFT Academy isn’t just about training mechanics, it’s about creating opportunity, strengthening the local economy, and fueling the future of Delaware aviation.

The program’s launch has been made possible through the support of ALOFT’s board of directors, employees, and public partners, including the Delaware Department of Labor. It also serves as a powerful example of what’s possible when employers invest in their communities and prepare their own future workforce.

Jewel Altimus is the academy chair of ALOFT Academy at ALOFT AeroArchitects.