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A Recruiter’s Preferred Choice: Why CommuteAir Hires Our Grads

"The graduates always come in well prepared, so we love it."

Being a recruiter in aviation is a dynamic role that requires a keen eye for talent and a deep understanding of the aviation industry. But there’s one thing Koiula Lau of CommuteAir looks for in hiring new technicians: Did they attend school first? It’s even better in her eyes if they completed our Airframe & Powerplant Technician program.1

The Ideal Candidate: A Blend of Skills and Passion

When it comes to hiring mechanics, the first thing Koiula looks for is whether the candidate has an airframe and powerplant license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). But that's just the starting point. She’s also interested in those who have hands-on experience with vehicles or airframes, indicating a genuine interest in the industry.

 “They (our graduates) always come in well prepared, so we love it.”79

Our training program is designed to prepare students for entry-level opportunities in various areas of the aviation industry. One of the most significant aspects of our program, according to Koiula, is the hands-on experience in labs because it provides practical exposure, which is crucial when transitioning to a professional.79

 “You get so many benefits out of it…You all get the hands-on experience in the labs that I’ve visited and seen which is very important when you come here to CommuteAir,” she explains.

The Excitement of the Aviation Industry

The aviation industry is a thrilling field and for CommuteAir, it’s a place of potential growth, according to Koiula. It's an industry that likely will not become obsolete as long as people keep traveling. Plus, there are flight benefits at CommuteAir, which is a fantastic perk, allowing their employees to explore new places.

“This industry is so exciting, I’ve been in this industry really my whole life,” Koiula tells us. “The career path here at CommuteAir is very exciting… We’ve had people promote from mechanics to leads in as early as six months really so it’s definitely possible to move up very quickly here at Commute Air—there’s tons of paths that you can take.”6

Advice for Aspiring Aviation Technicians

If you're considering a career in aviation, Koiula advises to show your passion during your interview. Immerse yourself in the industry, stay updated with technological changes and understand the regulations. The aviation field is ever-evolving, so staying current is crucial.

“When you’re looking for a career in this industry, the advice that I would give you is show your passion in your interview, become extremely passionate about it … really just live and breathe aviation,” says Koiula.

To learn more about our hands-on labs and the aviation programs we offer, check out our aviation pages. To get started toward a career in aviation with training from us, check out our Get Info page.


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1) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.2) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.6) UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on personal credentials and economic factors. Work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer and their compensation programs affect wages. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.7) Some programs may require longer than one year to complete.8) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 51-week Automotive Technology program.9) Does not include time required to complete a qualifying prerequisite program such as UTI’s 45-week Diesel Technology program.10) Financial aid, scholarships and grants are available to those who qualify. Awards vary due to specific conditions, criteria and state.11) See program details for eligibility requirements and conditions that may apply.15) Manufacturer-paid advanced training programs are conducted by UTI on behalf of manufacturers who determine acceptance criteria and conditions. These programs are not part of UTI’s accreditation. Programs available at select locations.24) UTI prepares graduates to work as entry-level automotive service technicians. Some graduates who take NASCAR-specific electives also may have job opportunities in racing-related industries. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.63) Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Wind Turbine Technicians, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/wind-turbine-technicians.htm. BLS projects total employment will increase from 11,400 in 2023 to 18,200 in 2033. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.77) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.79) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.128) UTI will pay for certain third-party FAA certification exam fees for qualifying students. See catalog for details and requirements.

Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.

*Registration Fee Waiver will apply to any student who enrolls by July 31, 2025, with a start date between March 31, 2025, and September 25, 2025.

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