8g Attachment Aviation Career Pathways Cohort Evaluation
777 engine donated to South Seattle College by Boeing Evaluation of the In troduction to Aviation Mainten ance Technology Program "With more than 300 employers operating on s ite, the airport offers extraordinary potential for career growth and development. This report validates the inter est and ability of the airport workforce to develop their s kills for long-lasting aviation caeers. Critically, at a tim e when stable and good-paying jobs are very much in ne ed, this report identifies the most efficient education and training tools to advance airport careers." -- Commissioner S am Cho Port of Seattle Com mission Acknowledgements Many thanks to the Port of Seattle for funding this program, and to Alaska Airlines for providing scholarships to Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) students. Our gratitud e to Boeing for providing critical STEM investments in our onsite A irport University math classes at Sea-Tac Airport. We are also grateful t o Delta Air Lines for providing a tour of their maintenance hangar and s peaking at the AMT information sessions, and to the many employers who shared AMT flyers with workers. We also appreciate the great partnership we forged with South Seattle College and the wonderful and caring ins truction provided by the team teachers. Finally, we want to recognize a nd thank the AMT students, all of whom work at Sea-Tac Airport, and who found time to balance school, work and family life into their bus y days. We appreciate all the insights and experiences you shared as p art of the evaluation and will use your feedback to inform our work. Yo ur hard work will contribute to the development of diverse pathways to A MT jobs. Heather Worthley Executive Director Port Jobs July 2020 Table of Contents 1. Background4 2. Research Methods4 3. Key Findings5 4. Summary Observations10 Attachments Attachment A Key Respondent List Attachment B AMT Flyer 12 13 1Background taken action by investing in the research that led to the AMT Career Pathway, and in the role that Port Jobs plays in building talent pipelines to aviation jobs. This report presents the results of an evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) Program, which was implemented at Sea-Tac Airport in the winter of 2020. 2Research Methods Planning for this Port of Seattle-funded project began in the summer of 2019. The Port of Seattle, An independent consultant, Business Government South Seattle College (SSC), and Port Jobs worked Community Connections, conducted this evaluation together to: under a contract with Port Jobs. A prototype Create a free Introduction to Aviation approach was utilized in order to give the project Maintenance Technology course taught at team an opportunity to develop and test ideas, and Sea-Tac Airport through Port Jobs' Airport determine how well the iterative model is working. University program; The research approaches and methods included Recruit airport employees interested in AMT the following: careers to participate in the course with the Interviews with 16 of the 17 AMT students in the goal of enrolling in the highly rigorous two-year Introduction to AMT class and one student who Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved withdrew. Students were given $25 gift cards for AMT program at SSC; their participation and to acknowledge the value Embed academic supports, financial aid of their time. application and funding assistance, college Interviews with the South Seattle College basic advising and career navigation to enhance skills and academic instructors, who acted as student success. "team teachers." Provide Alaska Airlines-Airport University Interviews with the SSC-based Workfirst/Basic scholarships to class completers who Food Employment & Training Program Specialsuccessfully enroll in SSC's AMT program. ist and the ESL Career Pathways Navigator. Assess the ongoing progress of the AMT Interviews with the Airport University Manager. pathway and make adjustments and AMT classroom visits and observations. improvements along the way. Collection and analysis of AMT demographic data, assessment, enrollment, completion The AMT career pathway was identified by the Port and transition to South Seattle College AMT of Seattle because it is a high demand occupation program data. leading to a family wage earning job. The average Conversation with Basic Education for Adults annual job opening projections for Seattle-King I-BEST Pathway representatives from the County for 2017-2027 revealed a robust job market. Washington State Board of Community & Technical Colleges. The 2019-20 Pipeline Report issued by the Aviation The above information was coded, entered Technician Education Council noted a continued need and combined: to fill the skilled-worker pipeline to meet the long-term to develop an understanding of the project forecast for technicians; mechanics are retiring faster design and operations and than they are being replaced. The report findings to identify the factors contributing to, or included the recommendation to increase efforts hindering AMT student progress and success. to highlight aviation careers. The Port of Seattle has Attachment A lists key respondents. 4 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program 3Key Findings The findings below are displayed using a Question and Answer format. The feedback from AMT students is woven throughout this document. Q1. How was the Introduction to AMT program designed and implemented? The main partners were the Port of Seattle, South Seattle College and Port Jobs. All worked together to plan, implement and evaluate the program. The Port of Seattle invested in this program, provided strategic guidance, and championed career pathway strategies with employers. Port Jobs drew upon connections to airport work- ers and employers drew upon connections to airport workers and employers to recruit and assess participants ; provided onsite program and classroom coor- Checking out the parts inventory in the dination; offered in-class assistance and persistence Delta Air Lines maintenance hangar support; facilitated linkages to financial aid assistance and other resources. Features which AMT students reported that they South Seattle College offered the Introduction to liked included: AMT course at the airport using a team teaching Free tuition model; supported access to workforce funding and Alaska Airlines Airport University course advising assistance. Scholarship Program Both Port Jobs and SSC participated in the collection Math support and 1:1 after class tutoring of demographic, assessment, course enrollment, College advising during class course completion, and financial aid access and Financial Aid assistance during the class student transition data. The partners worked well together. The program was rated as excellent or Tours of the Delta Air Lines maintenance very good by students in each of following categories: hangar recruitment, instruction, cultural competence and AMT information sessions support services. The program was rated as good or satisfactory by students in the area of transition The way the SSC teachers and Port Jobs to South Seattle College planning. Several students staff worked as a team noted that it was too soon to provide a comprehensive On site (airport-based) instruction assessment of the transition planning efforts. The in- Referrals by Port Jobs for subsidy eligibility terview occurred between weeks 4 and 6 of the class. Post-class interviews were not conducted as planned, supports due to the interruptions caused by novel coronavirus. 5 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program The program curricula focused intensively on math Q2. What kinds of recruitment efforts and other fundamental skills needed to prepare were conducted by Port Jobs? students for the two-year AMT program at South Seattle College. Students were deliberately given time Materials promoting the AMT class were broadly for academic advising, and visits to sites where they distributed at Sea-Tac Airport through multiple could see what aviation maintenance technicians communications strategies. Materials promoting do firsthand. the AMT class were broadly distributed to Sea-Tac Airport employees through multiple communications The course outline is presented below: channels. Airport companies were informed of the program through emails and presentations at Port Introduction to Aviation Maintenance of Seattle-hosted employer meetings. Technology Syllabus: Additionally, Port Jobs hosted two AMT information Week 1: Explain the SSC AMT Program, what the sessions at the Airport Jobs office in December 2019. Introduction to AMT class will cover, Thirty airport employees attended. South Seattle's unofficial math assessment AMT instructor led the session with an Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor and a workforce funding Week 2: Administer CASAS assessments (Reading specialist. South Seattle's AMT instructor led the and Math) session with the Adult Basic Education (ABE) instructor and a staff person who had expertise in Week 3: Financial Aid workshop, whole numbers, how to get workforce funding. multiplication and division Information sessions included: Week 4: Fractions, decimals, percentages A panel of Delta Air Lines mechanics who Week 5: Academic advising workshop, workforce described what an aircraft mechanic does and applications, fraction/decimal conversion, what the job is like. ratio & proportion An overview of the Introduction to AMT class, Week 6: Signed numbers, geometry including course dates, time, key topics and benefits of the class. Week 7: Field trip to SSC Hangar, Math Review A summary of the two-year AMT program Week 8: Review, Math CASAS assessment/ at SSC, including class days, times, cost, placement test enrollment periods, course sequencing, and funding options. Week 9: Measurement/conversion, Delta Air Lines maintenance hangar tour A career outlook for mechanics. Week 10: Reading and using maintenance manuals As a result of these efforts 37 workers began the Introduction to AMT pre-enrollment process, which Week 11: Basic physics, aerodynamics, parts of included completing an enrollment form, attending an an airplane information session and taking a reading and math assessment. Of these 37 workers, 23 enrolled in the class. Of the 14 who did not enroll, the reasons varied: two could not change their work schedules and were unable to attend the class; two were not eligible because they no longer worked at the airport; five were waitlisted due to the maximum class capacity; and five declined to complete the enrollment process. 6 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program Q3. Who was enrolled in AMT? This is where I want to work forever. I feel at Ethnicity and Language: Twenty three students home when I am at work. were enrolled in the AMT program. The majority (96%) I love being a ramp agent. But I know I can do were persons of color. Eight students spoke at least more and have more to accomplish. one other language in addition to English, including French, Spanish, Thai, Amharic, Swahili and Tagalog. The airport is a great place to advance in a job. The recruitment of a diverse student body reflected I can't believe that this class is free. It sends a the commitment of the Port of Seattle and Port Jobs message that the Port of Seattle cares about to build inclusive talent pipelines to family wage jobs. its employees. -- AMT students Race Number/Percent Education: Over a third (35%) had a high school African/African-American/Black 8(35%) degree or GED; 47% had taken one or more college American Indian or Alaska Native 0(0%) courses (not leading to a degree), and 18% had Asian 6(26%) previously earned either an AA or BA degree. One student who had not been to school for thirty years Caucasian/White 1(4%) said, "Before, I went to school because I had to. Now, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander 2(9%) I go to school because I want to!" Spanish/Hispanic/Latino 3(13%) Family Responsibilities: In addition to working and Other 2(9%) going to school seven of the students had one or Not Reporting 1(4%) more children. A total of 18 children were, as one Total 23(100%) student put it, "behind-the-scenes beneficiaries of the AMT program." Their ages ranged from 1 to 17. Gender: Five (22%) of the students were female I took this training to show my 4 and 6 year old and 78% male. children that school is important. I want to earn Age: Seventy percent were 21 to 39 years of age; more so they have more. 22% were in the 40-49 year old category; and 8% fell -- AMT student in the 50-65 year old category. The ages ranged from 21 to 55. Q4. How were students assessed? Employment As stipulated by this project's eligibility requirements, During the pre-enrollment period, students took the all students were working at Sea-Tac Airport when Comprehensive Assessment Student Adult System they enrolled in the Introduction to Aviation Main- (CASAS) Employability Competency System tenance Technology class. They were employed in Appraisal Form 130. The results from this test helped many different types of jobs. Examples included ramp the teachers know more about the needs of the agents, supply attendants, cargo agents, passenger student body so that they could plan their lessons. service agents and baggage handlers. Many worked One of the South Seattle instructors emphasized 40 hours a week and a few had variable work hours, that this tool was not used to screen students out, ranging from 25 to 40 hours a week. Six students had but rather to give instructors a chance to learn more worked at the airport more than five years. about the math and reading skill levels of students. Students were told that there was no "passing" score. The length of employment for students ranged from The assessment revealed that at least half of the 1 to 15 years, and averaged 5 years. students needed to improve their math skills; on average students answered 10 of the 25 math questions accurately. The reading tests were much higher, with students answering 18/19 of the 25 questions accurately. 7 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program During week 2 of class, the CASAS reading and math tests were administered. Because the Introduction to AMT class is run through the South Seattle College Adult Basic Education Department, pre- and post- CASAS tests were required. Again, student math scores underscored a need for improvement, and revealed that nine students would not yet meet the math entrance score requirements for the two year AMT training. All students, however, met the reading requirements; this eliminated the need for a post- CASAS reading test. Students were also assessed throughout the AMT program on the hybrid work that they completed on Canvas (the college's learning platform) and for their participation in class and on worksheets. AMT students visit the Delta Air Lines maintenance hangar For future classes, possible changes to the pre-enrollment process include the use of a math screening test that is more closely tied to the kind of needs of the student body so that they could plan their math done in the beginning of the South Seattle lessons accordingly. As a result they focused largely College AMT program. on math. Q5. What were the biggest challenges Some examples of the practical applications in math students faced? to prepare students for AMT jobs follow. The instructor noted that students will need to: The interviews with students revealed that their Use integers, multiplication and division and biggest challenges were in negotiating their work algebra when calculating weight and balance; schedules in order to attend the Introduction to AMT Know algebra, multiplication and division class. Although some employers were helpful and when calculating torque and adjusting torque supportive, others were already understaffed and wrenches; less likely to alter work schedules to accommodate Know how to use measuring tools, fractions and class sessions. One student said, "In theory Sea-Tac decimals, and be able to convert from one to Airport employers want their workers to advance, but the other when performing aircraft structural in practice some don't see the big picture about how repairs or selecting hardware; creating advancement opportunities really will make Calculate cylinder volume when learning about employees do a better job, and employers keep their engine cylinders and volumetric efficiency; workers." About one third also faced practical Understand geometry related to circles (arc, challenges of how to support their families while degrees) and Sine waves when learning about going to school (if they cut their work hours), and how Alternating Current in the next class they will to make time for their children while going to school take at South Seattle College (AMT 112). and working. Observations of the AMT class revealed that Q6. How was the curriculum designed? the instructors worked as a team and provided complementary types of assistance instruction. The Introduction to AMT course met twice per week Contextualized examples of math were embedded for 2-hours per class over the 11-week quarter (44 in the curriculum to help students see how what they instructional hours plus online homework). The AMT were learning would be applied in the AMT workplace. curriculum was designed to help students build the Students really liked these examples, and a few skills necessary to enter the two-year AMT program recommended that in the future curricula integrate at South Seattle College. The pre-assessment test more real life examples in lesson plans. results helped the teachers know more about the 8 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program Q7. Did AMT students increase their skills overwhelming. Two dropped out for work-related enough to qualify for entrance to South Seattle's reasons due to work schedule conflicts and under- two-year AMT program? staffing at work. One student missed more than half of the classes due to work schedule problems and All students increased their math scores on the health reasons. One student dropped out for financial post- CASAS math assessment, including the nine reasons. One student who had low math and reading students who needed to increase their math score scores, dropped out after the first week of class in order to be accepted to the South Seattle College because she felt that the class was overwhelming. AMT program. Only three of the nine students did Lastly, one student who had signed up for the class not meet the qualifying scores for entrance to the did not attend. program. These students are continuing to build their skills and have signed up for online math classes at Q9. Do students plan to transition to the South Seattle College in the spring, after which they South Seattle College two-year AMT program? expect to achieve the test scores necessary to be accepted to the full two-year AMT program. They will Ten students enrolled in the spring 2020 AMT have the same instructor in their online course as they program at South Seattle College. Due to the novel had in Introduction to AMT. coronavirus epidemic, South Seattle College decided to offer only online classes during spring quarter For all students, the Introduction to AMT program 2020. FAA guidelines do not permit the first AMT provided essential brush-up skills. For a handful, class to be offered online to new students. As a including the three who are going to take the online result, these 10 students will have to wait until regular class, some material covered, as one student put in-person classes resume in Fall 2020 to begin the it, "entirely new territory". Some of the students with program. Three other students plan to start in fall as higher pre-math scores said that the class gave them well. One student decided to pursue an Aeronautical a chance to "relearn" or "refresh" their skills. One said, Science BA program at Green River College in "I remember this stuff, but I did not really remember Spring 2020. what it was like to go to school. This class gave a lot of us a chance to get back into that mindset and habit." The help we got from Port Jobs and South Seattle College to fill out financial aid Q8. How many students completed the applications was great. Introduction to AMT program? Technical assistance on all the paperwork Of the 23 students who enrolled in the class, required really helped. I don't think I could seventeen completed the AMT course. The comple- muster the energy to figure out this stuff. tion rate (74%) for this program was strong, especially I like that we did the applications in class considering the daunting schedules that many AMT because that made me think forward to my students had to maintain and negotiate in order to future as an Aviation Maintenance Technician. attend the class, and the rigorous nature of the class. Students attended four hours of class per week and I would never have been able to weed through did additional work on their own at home. At least one all the regulations and get this paperwork in on third also did extra work outside of class in order to time thank you! build their math skills, using resources suggested by -- AMT students the teachers. Six students did not complete the class for a variety Q10. Did students access the tuition assistance of reasons. Two dropped out due to work schedule needed to transition to South Seattle's AMT conflicts and understaffing at work. Another missed program? more than half of the classes due to work schedule challenges and health reasons. One student dropped All of the 16 students who will enroll in the AMT for financial reasons, while another felt the class was program will receive $1,000 Alaska Airlines-Airport 9 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program Last day of Introduction to AMT at Airport University, Sea-Tac Airport University scholarships, and will be eligible to apply for additional scholarships in the future. Sixteen of the 17 students submitted applications for Worker Retraining funding and are eligible to receive assistance. At the writing of this report the exact 4Summary amounts of funding they will receive from this grant Observations are unknown. The one student who did not yet submit a Worker Retraining application is planning to attend the AMT program in fall 2020. The design of the AMT program held up very well as did the recruitment, instruction and career advising Fifteen of the 17 students submitted Financial strategies. Student ratings of their experiences in Aid- Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for both the the program were positive, as were completion and 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 school year. The status planned transition rates to South Seattle's two year of awards is not yet known as of the writing of this AMT program. Even though the novel coronavirus report. In addition, one student applied for and epidemic resulted in the last two weeks of the class received a Washington State Opportunity Scholarship having to be completed online, all students finished for the spring 2020. their post- assessments, coursework and applications for financial aid. Many were excited about The process to help students get funding for tuition their future careers as AMTs, and were extremely is time consuming and complicated. Setting aside grateful for the scholarship assistance from Alaska time in the Introduction to AMT schedule to work on Airlines, and the opportunity to take a tuition-free this was essential. The project team pondered the class located at their workplace. One student said, advantages of offering the Introduction to AMT course "When programs like this become better known, more more than quarter in advance of the South Seattle people will want to come to Sea-Tac Airport to work." AMT course as this would give the instructors an Another student was appreciative of the services opportunity to focus more on curriculum and ensure that Port Jobs offered, and said, "I know if my current that students have funding and enrollment processes employer can't work out a schedule that meets my in place. One instructor noted, though, that they would school schedule Port Jobs will help me look for a job have to balance this decision with the potential to and stay employed at the airport. Their staff is always lose students during that interim quarter. To mitigate providing me with information to help me advance and this problem she suggested that having a weekly think about career pathways." workshop of some type could be useful. 10 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program The extensive planning that went into the project paid off, and will provide a solid foundation for launching other similar initiatives in the future. The model builds on the evidence based practices of the Integrated Basic Education and Skills Training (I-BEST) team teaching, contextualized learning model. The Introduction to AMT program also integrates proven coaching and advising strategies which promote college persistence. When the results of the project were shared with the State Board of Community & Technical Colleges (SBCTC), Policy Analyst Will Durden responded that Students visit South Seattle College AMT program "SBCTC research shows us that pathways need to be built backwards from the highest level of attainment Students identified the need for referrals to childcare, needed for a secure labor market entry and transportation, and subsidy assistance. Some said progression. South Seattle College's new AMT these needs could be even more pronounced when I-BEST launches students on their AA degree journey they return to school, especially if they experience to median wages of $33.64 an hour. The career reduced work hours. In addition, the Introduction to pathway partnership with Port Jobs extends the AMT class demonstrates that future classes need pathway to prepare a more diverse student population to be assessment-driven, and designed to ensure for entry into I-BEST." The AMT program is also that students receive the individualized assistance, building a strong pipeline to diversity (ethnic and instruction and guidance necessary to succeed. gender) in AMT employment and family-wage jobs. Each of the AMT student's journeys to become an Student feedback (using the words of students) AMT is underway. The AMT Partners will need to underscores that the following strategies are critical to continue working together to track the transition sustain in future introductory classes at the airport: success of students who enroll into the two-year - free tuition program, and to launch future AMT or other - access to scholarships introduction to aviation programs. They will need - financial assistance planning to be flexible in the design of program curricula, as - teachers who relate well to students future classes, for example, may include more English - patient math instruction, that pushes us to excel Language Learning students, and/or students who - orientations that bring the training to life also need to focus more on reading, as well as math. - workforce tours that show the excitement of AMT jobs The Port of Seattle and AMT partners may also - opportunities to talk with people working as want to launch a quality jobs-focused campaign which AMTs underscores the necessity and benefits of supporting - instruction that shows how basic skills are emthe career advancement efforts of all workers. ployed in job This strategy could be promoted as a promising - career coaching; and instruction that allows for approach for retaining and upskilling workers, and 1:1 assistance for people who need extra help efficiently replenishing (backfilling) their workforce - understanding of the types of airport jobs workwith jobseekers. The word-of-mouth and positive ers have and want, and challenges they face press associated with such a campaign would draw getting employer buy-in to their taking courses attention to the work and values of the Port of Seattle, during work hours and shine light on the expectation that all employers - support services (such as access to resources engaged in the airport economy share a common for books and transportation) commitment to worker advancement. 11 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program AAttachment Key Respondents Name Role In Project Title Rebecca Yedlin Basic Skills Introduction to AMT Instructor Transitional Studies Faculty South Seattle College Teresa Romaneschi ESL Career Pathways Navigator ELL Transitions and I-BEST Coordinator South Seattle College Sean Cargill Introduction to AMT Instructor Instructor Aviation Maintenance South Seattle College Joshua Little Workforce Program Specialist/ Workfirst/BFET Program Specialist Tuition Assistance WorkSource Affiliate at South Seattle College John Bowers AMT Design Team Member/Advisor Basic & Transitional Studies Dean South Seattle College Veronica Wade AMT Design Team Member/Advisor Executive Dean Professional Technical and Workforce Education South Seattle College Stephanie Kellner Recruitment, Career Coaching, Airport University Program Manager Project Coordination Port Jobs Heather Worthley AMT Design Team Member/ Executive Director Project Oversight Port Jobs Luis Navarro Port of Seattle AMT Project Liaison Director Workforce of Seattle Development Programs Port of Seattle 12 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program BAttachment Class completers receive: $1,000 Alaska Airline - Airport University Scholarship Are you interested in a career as an Aircraft Mechanic? Introduction to AVIATION MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY This FREE class will prepare you for the two-year Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at South Seattle College You will learn: What aircraft mechanics do Tour an aircraft hangar; meet aircraft mechanics JANUARY 7 to MARCH 19 How to work safely in a maintenance shop Tuesdays & Thursdays Identify basic hand tools and safety equipment 2:00 - 4:00 pm Key terminology, math concepts, and more! @Sea-Tac Airport 13 Evaluation of the Introduction to Aviation Maintenance Technology Program Prepared by: Business Government Community Connections 22 West Armour Street Seattle, WA 98119 bgcc1@comcast.net (206) 619-0808 St udents visit the South Seattle College AM T program Students check out the training hangar at South Seattle Colle ge
Limitations of Translatable Documents
PDF files are created with text and images are placed at an exact position on a page of a fixed size.
Web pages are fluid in nature, and the exact positioning of PDF text creates presentation problems.
PDFs that are full page graphics, or scanned pages are generally unable to be made accessible, In these cases, viewing whatever plain text could be extracted is the only alternative.