Andover’s Greater Lawrence Technical School Debuts $7 Million Aviation Program

The Greater Lawrence Technical School in Andover has launched a $7 million aviation program, offering pathways for students to careers as mechanics and FAA-certified pilots.

The aviation program is only the second of its type in Massachusetts. Westfield Technical Academy is the other Massachusetts public school offering an aviation program.

Greater Lawrence Technical School's four-year program includes biannual FAA inspections to assess student progress and ensure compliance with FAA requirements.

According to Johnny Turner, an aviation instructor at the school, the initiative aims to address a significant shortage in the industry. Many experienced mechanics are expected to retire during the next five to 10 years, creating demand for trained graduates.

"It will give them a stable career in addition to great money, good salary," he said in a statement shared with NewsCenter 5 Boston.

According to Turner, students first learn on training equipment. As they approach graduation, they will work on the school's aircraft stationed at Lawrence Municipal Airport.

Greater Lawrence freshman Jacob Thompson said he completed a weeklong career exploratory course. The course introduced students to jobs in various fields.

"We got to learn about what the parts of a plane were, like the fuselage, the wings," Thompson said in a statement shared with NewsCenter 5 Boston. "I thought it was pretty fun."