Governor Jared Polis, the Business Funding & Incentives division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and the Office of Just Transition (OJT) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced state support for a new Aviation Maintenance Technician program through Pueblo Community College. The program is under development by CAE Training Center, the City of Pueblo, and Pueblo Community College to train new aviation maintenance technicians with an emphasis on serving former coal workers, veterans and high school graduates.
“This new grant will drive economic development in Pueblo County and prepare the Pueblo Memorial Airport for the future. I’m excited to see the impact this funding will have in the community, expanding travel opportunities in Southern Colorado, and creating 45 new good-paying jobs,” said Governor Polis.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aviation industry will need to fill approximately 12,000 aircraft mechanic positions annually to meet demand as aircraft mechanics retire. The Aviation Maintenance Technician program is expected to create a minimum of 45 new, full-time, aviation maintenance technician jobs in Pueblo County over three years, with a median annual salary of approximately $79,140.
“The City of Pueblo is proud to work with community partners CAE and Pueblo Community College to start the Aviation Maintenance Technician program which utilizes the Pueblo Memorial Airport for job training. Pueblo is better when we all work together to improve our community,” said Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham.
“Working with partners to bring high wage jobs to students is at the heart of the Pueblo Community College mission. The Aviation Maintenance Technician is a win for the region,” said Dr. Chato Hazelbaker, Pueblo Community College President.
In November 2025, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved $471,423 to support the Aviation Maintenance Technician program. The funding is part of an ongoing effort by the Polis Administration, OEDIT and OJT to support communities that have relied on coal mines and coal-fired power plants for employment to find new sources of jobs and property tax revenues.
“We are thrilled to support such a unique, locally driven initiative. 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,” said OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman.
“We’re eager to see programs like this get up and running in Colorado’s coal communities,” said OJT Director Wade Buchanan. “This program is a great example of one community diversifying its local economy as coal facilities prepare for closure.”
The approved funding will support staff wages, renovations, equipment, and curriculum development over two-and-a-half years. Pueblo Community College is committed to the ongoing sustainability of the AMT program after the grant’s completion.
This project has also received significant local and regional support, including the City and County of Pueblo, CAE Pueblo Training Center, Pueblo Airport Advisory Committee, Pueblo Community College, and Pueblo Corporate College.
About the Office of Just Transition
Colorado created the Office of Just Transition within Colorado’s Department of Labor and Employment in 2019 to assist workers and communities that will be adversely affected by the loss of jobs and revenues due to the closure of coal mines and coal-fired power plants. Its purpose is to help workers transition to new, high-quality jobs to help communities continue to thrive by expanding and attracting diverse businesses, and to replace lost revenues. To learn more about the Office of Just Transition, its action plan and the corresponding legislation, please visit cdle.colorado.gov/offices/the-office-of-just-transition.
About the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. OEDIT partners with businesses and communities to offer financial, technical, and advisory assistance. From business retention services to incentives and funding, OEDIT supports economic growth across Colorado through its diverse programs and services. To learn more, visit oedit.colorado.gov.