Choose Aerospace Outcomes Show Strong Pipeline Potential

New outcomes data from Choose Aerospace offers an early look at how students are responding to aviation career exploration and what steps they plan to take after completing the program.

Twenty-nine programs participated in the 2026 Choose Aerospace Outcomes Survey, representing 580 students and 106 curriculum completers. While the program is still relatively young, the findings provide encouraging indicators that students who complete the pathway are actively exploring aviation opportunities and considering next steps within the industry.

One of the most notable findings relates to students' career intentions. Teachers reported that nearly 40 percent of students in newer programs did not plan to pursue aviation careers, while that figure dropped to just 7 percent among students in programs where learners had completed the full Choose Aerospace pathway. While additional years of data will provide a clearer understanding of long-term outcomes, the early findings suggest that sustained exposure to aviation careers can help students better understand opportunities within the industry.

The survey also indicates that many students are considering pathways directly relevant to aviation maintenance education. Teachers reported that 37 percent of completers plan to attend an FAA-certificated Part 147 aviation maintenance school, while another 34 percent are pursuing employment opportunities. Others are exploring military aviation maintenance careers as they evaluate their post-graduation options.

For ATEC members, these findings offer encouraging signs for the future talent pipeline. Students who complete the Choose Aerospace curriculum are not simply learning about aviation maintenance careers; many are actively considering the education, training, and employment pathways that can lead to those careers.

The data also highlights growing participation in the ATEC General Aviation Maintenance Credential Exam. In 2024, four students from a single school sat for the credential exam. By 2026, that number had grown to 31 students from five schools. This year, 46 students earned endorsements to take the exam, demonstrating increasing interest in validating knowledge and skills through an industry-recognized credential.

Industry and community partnerships continue to play an important role in program success. More than 72 percent of responding programs reported support from aviation employers, maintenance organizations, colleges, and community groups. Nearly 86 percent indicated those partnerships add tremendous value by helping students better understand career opportunities and connect classroom learning with real-world experiences.

As more Choose Aerospace programs mature and additional cohorts complete the curriculum, the industry will gain a clearer picture of long-term educational and workforce outcomes. For now, the data suggests that early exposure to aviation maintenance careers, industry engagement, and structured career pathways are helping students make informed decisions about their futures.