TRAINING TOMORROW'S TECHNICIANS Continued from page 23 learn something new. W e are keeping up with change. W e are not hamstrung by some accrediting body or red tape. W e listen to what the industry needs, then we contract with subj ect-matter ex perts from the industry who do this kind of training all the time." Adamson again stressed that the AEA' s programs are not meant to replace what is available from avionics schools. The courses are meant to complement and enhance skills a technician already has. " W e actively reach out to schools with our training offerings," he said. " W e offer discounts specific to our academic members at a considerable savings. W e want them to come to the classes, regional meetings and convention to get up-to-date information and take it back to their students." 2 4 AVIONICS NEWS * AUGUST 2015 Adamson also noted that the AEA actively works with OEM s and distributors to help find ways for the schools to buy or borrow the eq uipment they desperately need to help their students keep up. " I know several schools that have taken advantage of this opportunity and have added everything from the latest test eq uipment and demo stands to actual LR U s to their programs," he said. " D efining and finding q ualified nex t-generation technicians is becoming more difficult. W ith the help of our industry partners and educators, the association is constantly assessing technician knowledge and skill req uirements, and offers professional development opportunities that help bridge the gap. Since the FAA formaliz ed training program req uirements for repair stations a decade ago, the AEA also has been increasingly focused on being a preferred training partner for aviation businesses with online and instructor-led training courses and seminars." qhttp://freeflightsystems.com