Choose Aerospace
Aviation Maintenance Training Program in Lake City
Welcome to the official portal for the premier Aviation Maintenance Training Program in Lake City, Florida, located at Columbia County Makerspace. This initiative is a powerful public-private partnership bringing together Columbia County Makerspace, Choose Aerospace, AAR Airframe MRO, and CareerSource North Central Florida. Together, we provide world-class, hands-on technical training designed to prepare students for lucrative, high-demand careers as certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) technicians using curriculum standards established by the Aviation Technical Education Council (ATEC).
Program Overview
Our curriculum bridges the gap between classroom theory and real-world hangar operations. By strictly utilizing ATEC standards, students learn the exact foundational skills required by commercial airlines and defense contractors. Whether you are changing careers, finishing school, or looking to break into the aerospace sector, this collaborative framework provides the direct certification pathways, local tuition assistance, and corporate hiring pipelines needed to get you onto the flight line.
Meet Our Partners
🛠️ Columbia County Makerspace
The Columbia County Makerspace, Inc. is a non-profit community engineering and manufacturing hub in Lake City, Florida. Committed to fostering grassroots technical skills, the Makerspace provides open access to tools, robotics, advanced manufacturing workshops, and community education programs. As the primary educational facility for this program, the Makerspace serves as the local venue where students get hands-on experience and direct mentorship.
✈️ Choose Aerospace
Choose Aerospace is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the global aviation maintenance workforce shortage. Developed by industry coalition groups, Choose Aerospace provides standardized, state-of-the-art digital curricula designed to introduce students to aircraft mechanics. Their specialized training modules are fully aligned with modern FAA standards and serve as the baseline academic infrastructure for this program.
🏢 AAR Airframe MRO (Aircraft Refurbishment Center)
AAR CORP. is the largest independent provider of aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services in North America. Operating a massive aircraft maintenance and refurbishment center at the Lake City Gateway Airport, AAR services major commercial airlines and defense platforms. AAR provides vital private-sector guidance to this partnership, acting as both an industry mentor and a direct employer destination for program graduates.
💼 CareerSource North Central Florida
CareerSource North Central Florida is the regional workforce development board serving Columbia County and its surrounding communities. Dedicated to connecting local talent with high-growth industries, CareerSource assists with applicant recruitment, career counseling, and eligibility screening. They also manage public funding avenues—including training grants and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)—to significantly offset tuition and training costs for eligible students.
Tuition & Financial Aid
Finances should never stand in the way of your career goals. Through this public-private framework, eligible candidates can access full funding to cover tuition, specialized books, and software access.
The program is heavily subsidized by federal and state workforce training allocations. By utilizing Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs, qualified applicants can complete their baseline training with all direct expenses fully covered. To find out if you qualify for these training grants and to initiate your enrollment funding, you must apply directly through the official CareerSource Assistance Portal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the out-of-pocket cost for a student?
The costs to the student are nil. Thanks to our unique funding structure with CareerSource North Central Florida, tuition, instructional materials, and learning site resources are 100% covered for approved participants, meaning you can train for a high-paying career completely debt-free.
Do these courses offer college credit toward a degree?
Yes. The course provides certified credentials that align with national ATEC standards. These industry-recognized certificates can directly apply as advanced standing or dual credits toward an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Technology or Aviation Maintenance Management at participating institutions.
Is there a job guarantee upon completion?
While final hiring is subject to individual performance, our primary employer partner, AAR Airframe MRO, actively monitors the cohort. Once a student has firmly established a strong technical aptitude and a dedicated study propensity, AAR is positioned to extend direct conditional employment offers to transition graduates straight into the Lake City Gateway Airport hangar.
Secure Your Seat
Space in our next training cohort is strictly limited to ensure optimal mentor-to-student ratios during hands-on lab hours. Protect your future in aerospace by submitting an interest form below.
Cohort Registration & Inquiry Form
| Field | Input |
|---|---|
| Full Name | [ Text Box ] |
| Email Address | [ Text Box ] |
| Phone Number | [ Text Box ] |
| Are you a Columbia County Resident? | [ Yes / No Dropdown ] |
| Have you started your CareerSource application? | [ Yes / No Dropdown ] |
Apply for the Aerospace Program Now
Contact Information
For physical verification, questions regarding our facilities, or information about upcoming open houses, please contact the program host site directly:
- Location: 180 E Duval Street, Lake City, FL 32055
- Webpage: columbiacountymakerspace.org/choose-aerospace/