Pueblo aviation training program to create 45 jobs

DENVER — Gov. Jared Polis and state economic development and labor officials announced support Tuesday for a new Aviation Maintenance Technician program at Pueblo Community College that is expected to create at least 45 jobs and help meet growing national demand for aircraft mechanics.

The program is being developed by CAE Training Center, the City of Pueblo and Pueblo Community College. It will train aviation maintenance technicians with an emphasis on serving former coal workers, veterans and recent high school graduates.

Polis said the funding will drive economic development in Pueblo County and help prepare Pueblo Memorial Airport for future growth while expanding travel options in southern Colorado.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates the aviation industry will need to fill about 12,000 aircraft mechanic positions each year as workers retire. State officials said the Pueblo program is expected to create a minimum of 45 full-time aviation maintenance technician jobs in the county over three years. The median annual salary for those positions is about $79,140.

Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham said the city is proud to partner with CAE and Pueblo Community College to launch the program, which will use Pueblo Memorial Airport for hands-on job training.

Pueblo Community College President Chato Hazelbaker said bringing high-wage jobs to students is central to the college’s mission and called the program a win for the region.

In November 2025, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved $471,423 to support the program. The funding is part of a broader effort by the Polis administration and state agencies to help communities that have relied on coal mines and coal-fired power plants transition to new sources of jobs and tax revenue.

OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman said the program will train workers for a high-demand field, diversify the local economy and help attract new businesses by improving the functionality of Pueblo Memorial Airport.

Office of Just Transition Director Wade Buchanan said the program is an example of how coal communities can diversify their local economies as coal facilities prepare to close.

The funding will support staff wages, renovations, equipment and curriculum development over two and a half years. Pueblo Community College said it is committed to sustaining the program after the grant ends.

The project also has local and regional support from the City and County of Pueblo, CAE Pueblo Training Center, Pueblo Airport Advisory Committee and Pueblo Corporate College.