Broward College students become part of elite ‘first-in’ Aviation schools to adopt Airbus next-generation 3D training software

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (August 25, 2020) – Four Broward College students were among 16 recipients of a prestigious scholarship offered by the Airbus Training Center (ATC) in Miami. The scholarship was launched as part of the ATC’s ongoing efforts to support the aerospace community during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this summer, students received the opportunity to improve their workforce readiness through the Airbus A320 New Engine Option (NEO) course approved by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA).

The students utilized the Airbus Competence Trainer (ACT) for Academy Solution recently purchased by the College. The solution allowed them to demonstrate competency in performing critical maintenance tasks using a Virtual Aircraft and to successfully pass theoretical examinations. They are now positioned as highly desirable candidates for future employment opportunities.

“Airbus takes great pride in partnering with Broward College to support aspiring aviation professionals,” said Joe Houghton, vice president of Training and Flight Operations, Airbus Americas. “Through this scholarship program, we aim to respond to the growing demand for qualified aviation professionals, while simultaneously helping students become candidates for entry-level maintenance positions at our airline and Maintenance Repair Organization (MRO) customer base.”

In a similar effort to give students a competitive edge with workforce-ready skills, Broward College purchased Airbus’ ACT for Academy A320 maintenance training software program. Designed to build specific skills and competency required to support the Airbus A320 fleet of aircraft, and regularly used by leading commercial airlines to train their technical crews, Broward College is one of only three Aviation schools in the country to have partnered with Airbus to bring this software to students. This aircraft-specific training curriculum and software will enhance the College’s existing Avionics program.

“As demand for aviation professionals continues to grow, this scholarship and training are vital to help students overcome financial barriers on their path to become future technicians, especially during the current pandemic,” said Russell McCaffery, dean, Transportation Programs at Broward College. “Along with introducing the new Avionics Training programs in 2020-2021, Broward College will continue to lead in the development of ‘Next Gen’ training opportunities in our region to provide the Aviation industry with top-tier talent.”

Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the Emil Buehler Aviation Institute at Broward College provides students with state-of-the-art training grounds and the desired employment skills soon after graduating and completing certifications and license exams.

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About Broward College:
Serving more than 63,000 students annually, Broward College provides residents with certificate programs, two-year university-transfer degrees, two-year career degrees, and baccalaureate degrees in selected programs. The mission of the College is to provide high-quality educational programs and services that are affordable and accessible to a diverse community of learners. For more information, visit www.broward.edu.