series TRAINING TOMORROW'S TECHNICIANS S T O R Y B Y D A L E S M I T H Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology provides students with career opportunities Avionics News recently spoke with Bennie L. Thurman, vice president of education at Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, to learn how the institution is meeting the need to educate the next generation of avionics technicians. Avionics News: Please tell us about your aviation and avionics programs. Thurman: We opened in 1928, and since then, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology has been providing training to pilots and technicians between our Tulsa, Oklahoma; Los Angeles, California; and most recently our Denver, Colorado-based campuses from all 50 states and more than 62 foreign countries. Our enrollment has increased during the past five years due to updating our program curriculum to include new technology like UAVs. We have remained up-todate on what types of skills and knowledge the industry is expecting from our graduates. Avionics News: Where do you see your program in five years? Thurman: Spartan's goal is to provide students 60 avionics news * april 2018 with excellent career opportunities in the aviation industry as well as additional technology-related industries. Our program will continue to change and adapt to how the industry is evolving. We must stay relevant to what is needed by companies who are hiring our graduates. Avionics News: How are you preparing students to become technicians and satisfying the increasing demand of the advanced technology fields in avionics, unmanned aircraft systems and aircraft electronics?