PITTSBURGH, Pa - The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) alongside United Airlines have announced a new partnership on Monday to provide eligible students with a direct path to employment with United Airlines as aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs).

United's new Calibrate Technician Pathway Program has established partnerships with the Aviation Command Unit of the U.S. Army Reserve as well as multiple aviation schools including PIA.

The program aims to enroll up to 300 eligible students per year and will be available to current PIA students who meet its eligibility requirements.

In order to remain in the hiring pool upon graduation, participants must maintain a high grade point average and strong attendance.

Participants will have priority screening consideration and access to mentorship opportunities with employees from United's 42 domestic technical operation stations. United will also participate in various open houses and career fairs at PIA.

With United Airlines expected to take delivery of 800 new aircraft between 2023 and 2032, the airline plans to hire thousands of new technicians by 2026, already hiring over 3,200 new technicians domestically within the past 18 months.

According to Boeing's 2023-2042 Pilot and Technician Outlook, 125,000 new mechanics and avionics pros will need to join the field by 2042 in order to meet the growing needs of the U.S. aviation industry.

Many of these openings are due to upcoming retirements, as it's estimated that 38% of current aviation mechanics are at least 60 years old. If these retirees are not replaced, airlines would be forced to reduce the number of flights they operate.