Brandon Arthur spent years in the Army working on Apache helicopters, removing rotor systems, repairing engines and testing systems. Looking to apply his extensive knowledge to the civilian aviation world, he enrolled in Embry-Riddle’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) SkillBridge Program.

A man smiling
Brandon Arthur is an AMT SkillBridge graduate who currently works at AAR Corp. (Photo: AAR)
Arthur is among the more than 1,000 students who have graduated from the AMT SkillBridge Program, which helps service members transition into high-demand, well-paying careers in the aerospace industry through professional certifications and engagement with industry partners.

The program, he said, was critical to helping him shift gears to servicing the Embraer 175 passenger jet for global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company AAR CORP.

“Embry-Riddle did a fantastic job with the program,” Arthur said. “There was a lot of classroom time, but there was also a lot of hands-on time. I think it really helped me move from helicopter maintenance into airplane maintenance. The transition was very smooth, especially because of the industry partners who came along and tried to recruit us.” 

Authorized by the U.S. Department of Defense in 2019, the AMT SkillBridge program is offered through Embry-Riddle Worldwide and began with a cohort of 12 Marines. It has since expanded to six military installations across the country and is also offered virtually to service members in transition worldwide.

A celebration was held July 31 at its inaugural site, Marine Corps Air Station New River in North Carolina, to mark the 1,000th AMT SkillBridge graduate.

“We are extraordinarily proud to have reached this milestone with the support of the U.S. military and our valued industry partners,” said Dr. John Watret, chancellor of Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. “The AMT SkillBridge program has created a win-win opportunity for both our service members and the aviation industry by preparing participants for high-demand careers in aviation maintenance while helping employers address critical workforce needs.”

The AMT SkillBridge program has proved highly successful at helping service members and veterans build careers in aviation and aerospace after leaving the military. Since it began in 2019, over 90% of graduates have earned job offers, and more than 98% have received job interviews through the program.

AAR has collaborated on the program from its inception. With operations in over 20 countries and approximately 8,000 employees, the company has hired the largest percentage of AMT SkillBridge graduates.  

"AAR is proud to have supported Embry-Riddle’s AMT SkillBridge program since the beginning and to celebrate the milestone of 1,000 graduates,” said Ryan Goertzen, AAR’s vice president of Workforce Development. "SkillBridge has consistently demonstrated the value that military service members bring to the aviation workforce through their technical skills, leadership and mission-focused approach. We are honored to have welcomed many SkillBridge graduates to AAR and believe the program serves as a powerful model for helping address critical workforce needs while supporting service members as they transition to civilian careers."

Besides the initial site at Marine Corps Air Station New River, the nine-week, full-time program is offered at Fort Campbell in Kentucky, Fort Carson in Colorado, Fort Bragg in North Carolina, Naval Station Norfolk in Virginia and Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton in California. Service members who are not located near these military installations can participate virtually. The program is also open to veterans and eligible military spouses.

Students in the program earn two industry-recognized certifications: an Aviation Maintenance Technology Part 65 Certificate from Embry-Riddle and a Boeing 737 Familiarization Certificate from AAR. Graduates also receive coaching from industry representatives and opportunities to interview with at least one industry partner.

For Arthur, the AMT SkillBridge program inspired him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics through Embry-Riddle’s Worldwide Campus. His coursework has already proven useful in his new role as an environmental, health and safety specialist at AAR.

When he graduates, the 31-year-old father of two will become the first person in his family to earn a university degree.

“I never really thought of myself going to college until I started the AMT SkillBridge program,” Arthur said. “It was a big motivator for making me want to finish what I started.”