UMES Aviation Maintenance Technician Program Celebrates First Graduating Class
SALISBURY, Md. — The University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s aviation program launched last year. Now, the school’s first class of graduates is cleared for takeoff.
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore Aviation Maintenance Technician School is going where it’s never gone before: graduation day. Students are taking the lessons they learned in the hangar and putting them to work in the aviation industry for the first time.
Just one year after the program launched, joy filled the hangar as the first graduating class received their diplomas.
Graduate Isaac Banks said the 12-month program went by quickly, especially with everything the students were learning.
“I’m very excited. It was super quick. Twelve months goes by very fast, especially with how much we were learning and getting taught. But we had super good instructors, and it was a really good time.”
Graduate Emily Lawson said she was proud to reach the finish line.
“I’m pretty proud. Pretty happy. I’m a little hot, and it’s hot out today, but I’m pretty good.”
It’s not just the graduates who are proud of their accomplishments.
UMES President Heidi Anderson said the program represents the school’s commitment to preparing students for high-demand careers and setting them up for success on the Eastern Shore.
“The work you perform may often happen behind the scenes, but its impact will be very much encouraged, and they see this impact is critical because every table and every successful landing depends on what you’ve done and what you will do in the future.”
With a growing need for highly skilled aircraft maintenance technicians, Piedmont Airlines has invested heavily in the program, donating a plane and two Rolls-Royce engines.
CEO Eric Morgan said seeing the graduates reach this milestone has been rewarding.
“We’re just really proud to see it. I mean, we participate in some school programs in other communities, but we’ve never been involved with one that’s literally in our backyard for our headquarters. So this is a very exciting day for us.”
State and local leaders were also on hand to celebrate, as the program puts the Eastern Shore on the map for aviation studies.
Gov. Wes Moore said the graduates have spent the past year preparing for a profession that requires discipline and precision.
“We are here to celebrate you. We’re here to say thank you, because you all have spent the last year in the profession and learning a profession that requires discipline and precision.”
