MIAMI — Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) students at George T. Baker Aviation Technical College are preparing for takeoff in their aviation maintenance careers thanks to a new partnership with American Airlines. With the partnership, students will enjoy ongoing engagement opportunities with Technical Operations team members at American’s Miami (MIA) hub and on campus. Additionally, students at the top of their class will be guaranteed interviews for open positions upon graduation and receipt of their FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate.
Today’s announcement formalizes a long-standing relationship between the airline and M-DCPS that’s been developing the next generation of aviation maintenance technicians (AMTs) for years. American also donated a McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft to Baker Aviation in 2010, and students continue to use the historic aircraft for training. The airline’s MIA-based Technical Operations team mentored the school’s student team in the 2024 Aerospace Maintenance Council Competition, where they placed first in two events and finished second in the School category.
“George T. Baker Aviation Technical College is widely known as a leader in aviation education, and we’ve hired many of their graduates,” said Evie Garces, American’s Vice President of Line Maintenance. “This partnership ensures American will continue hiring the best-trained AMTs who will keep our fleet flying safely for years to come. We’re looking forward to working closely with Baker students to ensure a successful transition from classroom to hangar.”
Dating back to 1939, George T. Baker Aviation Technical College is a public institution operated by Miami-Dade County Public Schools. It is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education and the National Center for Aircraft Technician Training (NCATT) and is certificated by the FAA. Approximately 1,000 M-DCPS high school and adult students are currently studying aviation-related coursework at Baker. The school is one of two in Florida to be accredited by the NCATT and the only school in the country to offer NCATT accredited courses to high school students.
“Through our partnership with American Airlines, we are developing tomorrow’s pioneers who will lead the aviation industry with unparalleled skill, passion and vision,” said Dr. Jose L. Dotres, Superintendent of Miami-Dade County Public Schools. “At George T. Baker Aviation Technical College, innovation and excellence are not just goals — they are the wings that lift our students to new horizons, which makes M-DCPS your best choice.”
“Investing in education opportunities for our residents is investing in the future of Miami-Dade County,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Through inspiring partnerships like this we are preparing our workers to access good jobs and succeed in the industries of the future. This is how you build an economy that works for all.”
American employs more than 14,600 team members at its MIA hub, including more than 1,200 Technical Operations team members — many of whom are George T. Baker alumni. Candidates interested in joining American’s team can view open opportunities and apply at jobs.aa.com.
In addition to M-DCPS’ George T. Baker Technical College, American’s Technical Operations team has partnerships with Aviation Institute of Maintenance — Chicago, Tulsa Tech in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and West Los Angeles College in Los Angeles. The partnerships ensure tomorrow’s AMTs receive relevant, real-world training today and are set up for success in aviation maintenance careers.
About Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS), an A-rated district, is the nation’s third largest school system with more than 400 schools and a diverse enrollment of more than 330,000 students from over 160 countries. Our ongoing tradition of groundbreaking achievement has earned top recognition at the national and international levels. M-DCPS also recently reached a landmark graduation rate of 92 percent.
