In a move to bolster the ranks of air traffic controllers, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a new partnership with Nashua Community College. The Enhanced Air Traffic–Collegiate Training Initiative (E-CTI) is expanding with the addition of this New Hampshire college, marking the fifth such integration this year under Duffy's plan to replenish a critical workforce in the aviation sector.
"Under President Trump’s leadership, we're solving the air traffic controller shortage one step at a time," Duffy stated. Nashua Community College will now be expected to offer a rigorous curriculum to prepare students to directly embark upon training at an FAA facility after fulfillment of specific requirements. During a recent hiring surge, the FAA saw an influx of over 10,000 applications, indicating a strong interest in the air traffic control profession among Americans, per the US Department of Transportation.
FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford emphasized the importance of this investment by declaring, "By expanding training opportunities through these programs, we're not only meeting today's staffing needs—we're building a resilient workforce ready to handle the challenges of tomorrow." According to the US Department of Transportation, the program at Nashua Community College stands out as the first in the state of New Hampshire, setting a precedent for educational institutions to follow in the region and potentially beyond.
