Colorado just made a big move to boost its economy and help its workforce shift gears. Governor Jared Polis, alongside the Business Funding & Incentives division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and the Office of Just Transition (OJT) under the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced their support for a new Aviation Maintenance Technician program through Pueblo Community College. The initiative is set to spark life into Pueblo's job market, especially targeted at former coal workers and veterans, keyed in to meet a national demand for aviation maintenance technicians.
Aircraft mechanics are becoming a rare breed, so much so that the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts about 12,000 spots opening up each year as current ones hang up their wrenches. Pueblo, Colorado, is stepping up to the plate, aiming to fill at least 45 of those roles over the next three years, and at an attractive median annual salary of around $79,140. Governor Polis expressed enthusiasm for the potential local impact, stating, "This new grant will drive economic development in Pueblo County and prepare the Pueblo Memorial Airport for the future." He looks forward to seeing an expansion of "travel opportunities in Southern Colorado," as per the Colorado Governor's Office.
Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham chimed in, praising the collaborative spirit demonstrated in the development of this program, while Dr. Chato Hazelbaker, President of Pueblo Community College, highlighted the program's alignment with the institution's objectives of bringing high-wage jobs to students. The effort is being bolstered by a $471,423 grant from the Colorado Economic Development Commission, which was approved in November 2025. This support reflects a continued commitment by state entities to bolster communities transitioning from a reliance on coal-related industries.
The financial injection is earmarked for a variety of purposes, including staff wages, renovations, equipment, and curriculum development over a two-and-half-year period. Notably, Pueblo Community College is gearing up to ensure the AMT program remains sustainable past the grant's expiration. Beyond state backing, the project is also receiving broad local and regional support from entities like CAE Pueblo Training Center and the Pueblo Airport Advisory Committee. Eve Lieberman, OEDIT Executive Director, summed up the excitement, "The Aviation Maintenance Technician program will train workers for a high-demand field, diversify the local economy, help attract new businesses by improving the functionality of the Pueblo Memorial Airport, and contribute to a sustainable future for Pueblo's aviation industry," she told the Colorado Governor's Office.
