Tuesday, 19 January, 2021
NATA Member Alert: FAA Released Funding for Two Long-Anticipated Workforce Development Grant Programs
Today, the FAA released funding opportunities for two long-anticipated aviation workforce development grant programs. NATA strongly supported the creation of these programs during the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 and has subsequently led a coalition of industry and labor organizations in ensuring the programs received full funding. The Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grants provide money to expand the pilot workforce and educate students to become pilots, aerospace engineers or unmanned aircraft systems operators. The Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grants will help prepare a more inclusive talent pool of aviation maintenance technicians. Educational institutions and aviation businesses can apply at www.grants.gov through March 22.
“These grant programs will not only ensure our workforce is properly skilled to operate and maintain the safest aviation system in the world, but will also provide important re-training and re-skilling opportunities for workers who have been displaced during the COVID-19 pandemic. Our industry has eagerly awaited the launch of these programs – prime examples of public-private partnerships leveraging federal investment. We are pleased to see the funding made available as we start the new year,” said Timothy R. Obitts, NATA President and CEO.
“NATA is grateful to the sponsors of the legislation that created these important programs, and the Congressional appropriators who ensured these programs were fully funded. We thank the FAA for their diligent work in ensuring that the funding opportunities reflect Congress' intent, and we look forward to robust interest in and applications for these grants,” said Jonathon Freye, NATA Vice President of Government Affairs.
“We strongly encourage NATA members to carefully review the program criteria, think creatively about applications, and work with NATA to submit competitive applications,” said Obitts.
Notice of Funding Opportunity - Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program
Notice of Funding Opportunity - Aviation Maintenance Technical Workers Workforce Development Grant Program
For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero.
The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.