Around 125,000 new mechanics in avionics will need to join the workforce over the next 20 years to meet the growing needs of the aviation industry in the U.S., according to a report from Boeing.

The PIA School for Aviation Maintenance and Winner Aviation are partnering on a new program aimed to give students hands-on experience with aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) to help solve that problem.

The program will allow students to shadow AMTs in a personalized mentorship and expert career preparation for eligible PIA Youngstown students, according to a news release from PIA.

"PIA graduates are in high demand in the aviation industry and our new job shadowing program partnership with Winner Aviation will help our alumni be even better prepared to excel on the job," said Joe DeRamo, campus director of PIA Youngstown.

Students that have completed their first two semesters of training at PIA are eligible for the program. 

These students will spend 90 minutes a day at Winner Aviation for two days a week over six weeks.

During that time, the students will work to grow their aviation maintenance skills, grow their networks, get career guidance and potentially get job offers from Winner after graduation.

"By pairing participants with experienced mentors within our organization, this immersive experience will empower them to acquire valuable knowledge, skills, a profound understanding of their chosen field and the ability to make well-informed career decisions," said Mandy Lundstrom, human resources manager at Winner Aviation.