Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics' career expo offers behind-the-scenes look at aviation mechanics

The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics' held a career expo for potential students at their Youngstown campus. 

During the expo, students were able to meet with instructors, see the equipment they'd be working with, and talk with alumni about what it's like to work in the aeronautics' industry. 

"This is an industry that's kind of behind the scenes, not a lot of people get an opportunity to get a glimpse of, so for them to come out and see some jet airplanes and jet engines, and see what a helicopter looks like up close, they can determine if this program is going to be for them," said Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics' Campus Director Joe Deramo. 

According to a press release, skilled aviation mechanics are in very high demand due to a nationwide labor shortage, and the latest employment rates for Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics' Youngstown Campus graduates are 98% with the top employers for the region including PSA Airlines, GE Aerospace, Endeavor Air, Constant Aviation and Skywest Airlines.

PIA graduates now typically earn between $48,000 and $58,000 at their first industry jobs, with PIA graduates' typically starting their careers at $20 to $24 per hour. 

By learning to inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft, aviation technicians learn a specialized skillset that is vital across many diverse fields including corporate aviation, commercial aviation, military, MRO, aircraft manufacturing, cargo, medical transport, drones, and aerospace.