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PCC’s Aviation Technology head part of Arizona-Mexico Commission panel

June 7, 2012

Tucson, AZ – The contributions of Pima Community College’s Aviation Technology Program to regional economic development will be discussed this week at a meeting of the Arizona-Mexico Commission.

“The goal is to open a dialog with our neighbors regarding how to build and implement similar occupational efforts in Mexico,” said Program Manager Tom Hinman.

PCC’s Aviation Technology Program has been called one Tucson’s “best kept secrets” by Inside Tucson Business because of the role it plays in training “employment-ready individuals who can step into their businesses and immediately begin hands-on tasks.”

Hinman will detail that role on Friday, kicking off the Arizona Aerospace Workforce and Training Presentations to the commission’s Economic Development Committee. Those presentations start at 1:10 p.m.

The presentation will focus on how PCC’s program benefits aviation- and defense-related companies, such as Sargent Aerospace & Defense, which has facilities in Tucson and Guaymas, Son.

The growth potential of the aerospace industry in Guaymas was highlighted recently in a front page article in the Arizona Daily Star about Rolls-Royce selecting the Mexican port city as the site of its newest global purchasing office.

Hinman has led PCC’s Aviation Technology Program since coming to the College in 2010. Previously, he worked 27 years for Evergreen Maintenance Center, now Marana Aerospace Solutions, a commercial aircraft repair and storage facility in Marana.

PCC offers certificate and degree opportunities in Airframe and Powerplant, Avionics, and Structural Repair concentrations. Most Aviation Technology Program students combine at least two concentrations. Students develop their skills on a variety of aircraft models, from single-engine Piper and Cessna airplanes to Boeing 727 jets.

According to a recent article in PCC’s student newspaper, the Aztec Press, starting salary for some program graduates can be as high as $21 per hour.

The theme of the commission’s Summer Plenary Session is “Arizona and Sonora: Taking Charge of Change.” The AMC’s mission is to improve the economic well-being and quality of life for the residents of Arizona through a strong cooperative relationship with Mexico and Latin America through advocacy, trade, networking and information.

CONTACT:
C.J. Karamargin
Vice Chancellor for Public Information and Government Relations
(520) 206-4850
ckaramargin@pima.edu