TOLEDO, Ohio–Directions Credit Union said it has selected CU Student Choice as its partner in providing lending solutions for trainees in the Aircraft Maintenance Technician program at the Federal Aerospace Institute (FAI).
“The air travel industry simply cannot operate without qualified technicians to keep planes in the sky and keep passengers, pilots and crews safe,” Jim Holt, chief development officer for Washington-based CU Student Choice said in a statement. “As many of these skilled workers approach retirement age, FAI’s training program is invaluable. By offering a responsible lending solution to finance this coursework, Student Choice and Directions are proud to support the next generation.”
Located at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, FAI students can earn their Airframe & Powerplant certification for a career as an FAA Certificated Aircraft Maintenance Technician.
Nearly 700,000 Technicians Needed
"According to Boeing, 690,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to meet the demand of the industry over the next 20 years,” Direction CU CEO Barry Shaner said in a statement. “Directions Credit Union is committed to meeting the financial needs of our members and communities, and having access to responsible lending solutions opens doors for trainees to pursue this critical career pathway.”
According to CU Student Choice, nearly a dozen of its partner credit unions now offer funding options for aviation maintenance, pilot training, nursing, line workers, and other skilled trades programs, in addition to traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees.