Professionals interested in the aerospace business should look to training for aerospace jobs. Whether you are new to the industry or a veteran, advancing your training is the only sure way to advance your career.

Aerospace industry job training comes in many packages. You now have the opportunity to train on-site, online and through DVDs. Just remember that whichever avenue you decide on, make sure that it is an acceptable path toward the aerospace employment opportunity you hope to attain. When signing up for any course, consider the following;

1. If you are advancing your career, check to see if your employer can help finance your training.

2. Continue to polish up on your training for aerospace engineering jobs so you stay ahead of the game.

3. Consider apprentice positions. Learning on the job is usually beneficial for all parties involved.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Choose training for aerospace jobs that lets you go at your own pace

There are many online tools that can help you decide where you want to head in the aviation industry. Take the time to research the options so you settle on a course you are comfortable with.

I recommend: CollegeToolkit.com showcases opportunities in aerospace engineering and operations technicians. The site also discusses employment growth in various areas and offers a salary tool. The Federal Aviation Administration offers a selection of courses related to airmen testing and training. It also features student resources and research opportunities.

Pick space programs that will prepare you for aerospace industry jobs you want

If space is your destination, there are programs available both off and on-site. Whether you are looking for an aerospace engineering job or want to become an astronaut, there are a multitude of training opportunities available. Just make sure they will help you achieve your bottom line.

I recommend: Nastar Center provides space training research programs that feature hands-on training. Top Aeronautical Schools is an extensive listing of top aerospace training institutes and programs that can ultimately lead to a diverse range of aerospace job opportunities.

Join associations to access a wealth of education for careers aerospace

Associations are always a great resources for educational opportunities. Not only do they offer courses, classes and workshops, they also provide conferences and other events. By joining an association you will always have access to the tools, resources and people that can advance you in your career.

I recommend: The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics(AIAA) offers an extensive selection of instructor-led, web, CD Rom and webinar courses in subjects ranging from applied aerodynamics to microgravity and space processes. Family Business Experts provides a generous list of other associations related to the aerospace industry.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before investing in aerospace employment training, you may want to contact someone in the field. Sit down for an informational interview to make sure your educational path will qualify you for careers in the aerospace industry.

Careers in the aerospace industry don't show any sign of decreasing, which makes this industry a particularly attractive one for students.

Those who are qualified to work in the aerospace industry have many choices in front of them, including defense jobs and other aerospace engineering jobs.

If you want to find the best aerospace jobs:

1. Get a degree from a top university. The higher your degree, the more likely you are to get a high paying aerospace industry job. Many jobs require a higher degree.

2. Have a technical resume writer prepare your resume. Your resume gives companies their first impression of you. If you want to get the best aerospace industry jobs, your resume needs to stand out from the crowd.

3. Work summer internships while you are still in school. You can often get a small endowment to help pay for expenses. This will show your dedication to the industry and help beef up your resume for that first job.

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Consider defense industry employment with your aerospace degree

Defense jobs are usually available and you can find them throughout the states. This is an ideal choice for someone who has interest and experience in aerospace employment.

I recommend: Check out the job opportunities at Raytheon, an industry leader in defense research services. You can also find information about defense careers and recruiting services through the Department of Defense.

Find aerospace job opportunities listed on the Internet

There are many websites dedicated to helping aerospace workers build their careers in aerospace. Most sites will allow you to search for jobs in your area as well as post your resume. This is a convenient way to find an aerospace engineering job.

I recommend: Start your aerospace job search at AerospaceEngineer.com, a division of Occupation Station. You can also find jobs for aerospace engineers at Engineer.net. Both sites are free for job seekers.

Teach others to have careers in the aerospace industry

You don't have to limit yourself to working in a lab. Many people find that teaching is a great way to help others, while still having a job in the aerospace industry. A college or university teaching position may be just what you need.

I recommend: Start by looking for aerospace teaching jobs at HigherEdJobs.com, which lists jobs across the country. Chronicle Careers, from the Chronicle of Higher Education also has teaching jobs that are suitable for aerospace engineers. Remember that a career in academia requires a PhD.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you are in college, check to see if any companies will offer aerospace job opportunities to graduates. Most colleges offer a recruiting fair for graduating students at the end of the year. This is a good opportunity to make contacts and help you find entry level aerospace jobs.

If you're looking for aerospace job opportunities, one of the first things you'll need to know is what type of aerospace jobs education and training is needed for these positions. Whether you're looking for aerospace engineering jobs or defense industry employment, you'll find that most careers in the aerospace industry require a specific educational background and involve intensive training criteria.

To be considered for aerospace employment, you'll need to have the educational background to prepare yourself for training for desired aerospace industry jobs. A college degree for aerospace jobs is essential. Continuing education, technical school courses and apprenticeships are other avenues to aerospace jobs education and training:

1. Find out what classes and degrees best prepare you for careers in aerospace.
2. Research technical schools that offer the best aerospace jobs education and training.
3. Consider apprenticeships for aerospace industry jobs.
   

Action Steps
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Satisfy educational requirements for aerospace jobs with a college degree in engineering

You likely won't get far in the pursuit of careers in the aerospace industry without possessing a degree in engineering. A degree from an accredited college or university will be your first step toward securing aerospace jobs. Whether you want to rebuild aircraft engines, work on space vehicles or construct guided missiles, you'll need a degree before you can be considered for aerospace employment.

I recommend: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers Bachelor's degrees in Aerospace Electronics, Aerospace Engineering and Aerospace Studies. Get a Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering at Missouri University of Science and Technology.

Gather the skills you need for aerospace employment by enrolling in a technical school

Technical schools are a great way to prepare for careers in aerospace. Many offer work-study programs which allow students to combine classes with work in the field. These types of schools will offer programs focused more on the technical rather than the academic aspects of aerospace jobs education and training.

I recommend: The Georgia Institute of Technology offers bachelor's, master's and PhD programs in aerospace engineering. Pulaski Technical College has an extensive aerospace program which includes Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified instructors, computer and video instruction and field trips.

Take advantage of internships and apprentice programs offered by employers of aerospace jobs

Another avenue to pursue for aerospace jobs education and training is apprenticeships or internships. Apprenticeships allow those working towards careers in aerospace to earn while they learn. Some aerospace companies will offer internships to students majoring in computer science, engineering or science, allowing them exposure to aerospace industry jobs.

I recommend: The Aerospace Corporation offers summer internships to students in several majors, including mechanical engineering, aerospace engineering and computer science. The National Institute for Metalworking Skills has developed an apprenticeship program for areas that apply to aerospace industry jobs, including machining and engineering.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Consider the Armed Forces when it comes to technical training for aerospace jobs.

If you love to fly or have an interest in working for airlines or NASA, then the aerospace industry may be the career path for you. While there are several career paths that may be obvious, such as that of a pilot, you may not know what the duties or education requirements those careers involve. Explore a few of the choices available to you through this article.

Action Steps
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Avionics technician

Avionics technicians (also known as aircraft mechanics, airframe mechanics and power plant mechanics) inspect, maintain and repair aircraft in order to meet standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They have experience with different parts of the plane, such as the engine, landing gear or instruments.

I recommend: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides details about the tasks, training and outlook for a career as an avionics technician.

Pilot

Pilots, as you may know, fly aircraft. However, there are several aspects to this career choice, such as airline captains, first (co-pilot) or second officer, flight instructor, corporate pilot, patrol or ferry pilot, agricultural pilot, test pilot or helicopter pilot.

I recommend: The Federal Aviation Administration provides information on the first steps to becoming a pilot.

Aerospace engineer

Aerospace engineers are responsible for the design, development and testing of missiles, spacecraft and aircraft. They also develop new technologies for use on aircraft, such as improved navigation and defense systems. Typically, an aerospace engineer specializes in one type of aircraft.

I recommend: Visit AVjobs for more information on the aerospace engineer position.

Configuration management engineer

A configuration management engineer implements programs and documents physical and functional characteristics of particular projects. The idea is to keep changes under control, evaluate how well the project works, make improvements as necessary and produce reviews of the same.

I recommend: Discover more details on various tasks for configuration management from The FAA Acquisition System Toolset website.

Meteorologist

A meteorologist studies the weather. This is crucial to the aerospace industry, because pilots must be aware of weather conditions to protect passengers and cargo and to work to help flights depart and arrive on time. Meteorologists that work in aerospace fields watch weather conditions in relation to flight patterns.

I recommend: Access Career Planner for more general information on a career in meteorology.

Linguist

Much of the aviation industry, especially in regard to international flights, deals with foreign countries. Sometimes this requires the translation of recorded messages, conference calls, meetings and written correspondence. That is where linguists or translators come in. They translate this correspondence and communication into English or other languages for the company they work for.

I recommend: State University has more information on a linguist's duties. For a list of other jobs within the aerospace or aviation industry, visit AVjobs Career Overviews.