BRCC AMT: Learning by Doing

Nathan Lowe is the first high school student in Blue Ridge Community College’s Career Pathways to pursue Aviation Maintenance Technology. The Wilson Memorial High School senior started in the program last fall. He attends classes in BRCC’s AMT classrooms at the Shenandoah Regional Airport in the morning, and then returns to Wilson in the afternoons to complete requirements for his high school diploma.

Nathan’s earlier interest in working on cars led him to aviation maintenance when his high school career coach told him about BRCC’s program. He is working towards certificates in Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance.

“I enjoy working with my hands and having the opportunity to do things I’m good at,” says Nathan. “I’m learning a skill and learning by doing things, not just sitting in a classroom.”

The lab courses in the Aviation program allow students to work on multiple projects each semester, build upon their knowledge, and solve problems collaboratively. “I would recommend the program because it gives you great hands-on experience in the field,” Nathan says.

Nathan is aiming high in his future career goals. He hopes to travel (another benefit of working in the aviation industry) and work for a Fortune 500 company.

“My long-term goal is to work for Lockheed Martin for assembly of the F-35 fighter jet,” Nathan notes.