North Little Rock, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College (UA–PTC), in partnership with the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance, has announced the launch of a new aviation program at its North Little Rock campus. The program, focused on avionics, is designed to prepare students for certification as Aircraft Electronics Technicians, equipping them with the skills needed for a growing aerospace workforce.
Officials highlighted that the program is funded through a $2.5 million Arkansas HIRED grant announced last year. The initiative is expected to expand educational opportunities for a wide range of learners, including high school students exploring technical careers and incumbent workers seeking to advance in the aerospace field. The program is part of a broader effort to support the state’s growing aerospace and defense industries.
Students enrolled in the program will receive hands-on training in diagnosing, repairing, and wiring complex electronic systems used in aircraft. This includes work with communication systems, navigation instruments, and flight electronics. Officials emphasized that the program is designed to provide real-world experience, helping students transition seamlessly into professional roles upon graduation.
“The aviation program offers clear pathways for education and internships, preparing students to meet the demands of a highly technical and fast-growing field,” school representatives said. The college aims to cultivate a diverse student body, ensuring that opportunities in aerospace technology are accessible to all interested learners.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new program is scheduled for 11 a.m. Thursday at the college’s Aerospace Technology Center, located at 1600 West Maryland Avenue in North Little Rock. Following the ceremony, guided tours of the facility will demonstrate the program’s training capabilities, including labs, simulation equipment, and hands-on workstations.
The launch of the program comes amid projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which expects 5% annual job growth for avionics professionals through 2034. This reflects a rising demand for skilled technicians who can maintain and repair increasingly sophisticated aircraft systems. The new program positions UA–PTC students to take advantage of these opportunities while supporting Arkansas’s aerospace industry.
Officials noted that the program not only strengthens technical education but also addresses workforce needs in a sector vital to both national defense and the state economy. By combining classroom instruction with applied training, the program seeks to ensure that graduates are job-ready and highly competitive in the field.
Prospective students and community members interested in learning more about the new aviation program can find additional information on the UA–PTC website. The college encourages high school students, working adults, and others interested in aviation technology to explore this unique opportunity and consider careers in a rapidly expanding industry.
With the opening of the avionics program, UA–PTC continues to advance its mission of providing cutting-edge technical education while meeting the workforce needs of Arkansas’s aerospace sector, offering students a direct path from training to meaningful employment in aviation.
