Let’s welcome Tia, an AIM graduate from Montclair, New Jersey, who made a bold mid-career transition after years in different fields. Her story shows how AIM’s flexible schedules and supportive instructors helped her juggle work, family, and school. Ultimately, earning her an Airframe & Powerplant, or A&P license on the very first attempt. AIM proves it’s never too late to start over. You’re up, Tia.
– Thanks, Alex. A few years ago, I decided to change my life. After 15 years at the U.S. Postal Service, in eight years as an office manager at a charter high school, I knew I wanted something more meaningful. I’ve always loved working with my hands and solving problems. So at the age of 40, I decided to enroll at AIM and pursue a career in aviation maintenance. What motivated me wasn’t just wanting a better paycheck. I wanted a career I could be proud of, and one that showed my kids it’s never too late to start over. AIM made that possible. Their flexible evening classes allowed me to balance school, work, and being a mom all at the same time. The training at AIM was hands-on, and every day I felt myself getting closer to a new future. When I graduated and passed all my federal aviation administration exams on the first try, it became one of the proudest moments of my life. The day I held my Airframe & Powerplant license, I knew that every late night and every study session had been worth it. That accomplishment opened the door to an entirely new career. I now work on transport category aircraft, and every shift reminds me of why AIM structure and training matters. They didn’t just teach me skills. They prepared me to step confidently into an industry that demands precision, perseverance, and purpose. My experience at AIM changed my life. It opened doors I never imagined possible, professionally and personally. It even inspired me to continue my education, pursue a bachelor’s in aviation maintenance management, and consider a master’s in aviation safety. AIM didn’t just train me for a job. It helped me rewrite my story. That’s my journey. Back to you, Alex.
– What an inspiring journey, Tia? Your determination, balancing parenthood, full-time work, and training shows exactly what perseverance looks like. Graduating, passing every FAA exam on the first try, and now maintaining transport category aircraft demonstrates how AIM prepares students for real careers with purpose. Congratulations, Tia. Your success shows others what is possible.
Let’s get to know Kevin from Puerto Rico, whose early love for custom cars and hands-on work guided him toward AIM. Raised by a single mother, affordability and value shaped his educational decisions. Kevin highlights AIM’s financial accessibility, student resources, and leadership opportunities, like serving as a student ambassador, while progressing through Airframe & Powerplant training. Kevin, the floor’s yours.
– Appreciate the intro, Alex. Hey, everyone. I grew up in a custom car shop back home in Puerto Rico, so maintenance and customization have always interested me. Some of my earliest memories of holding paint guns and watching my family bring cars to life. School wasn’t always a priority, but taking things apart and fixing them always had my full attention. As the youngest of three, being raised by a single mother, I learned how important it is to get the most value for my dollar. So when the time came to choose where to study, finances were a major factor. AIM was close to home and truly affordable, so it was a no-brainer, and felt like the place to build my future. I was right. I’m currently in block 6 of 17, completed my general training and passed my Federal Aviation Administration general exam. Now, I’m in Airframe training, and after that, I’ll move into Powerplant. As I move through each block, AIM has supported me every step of the way. There’s so many resources to help students succeed, like tutoring, career services, one-on-one support from instructors, student services, and a wide range of financial options. I’m also a student ambassador, so I help plan events, share ideas, and bring forward suggestions from my classmates. Stepping into a leadership role has given me a new perspective, and I’m grateful to represent and support the student community here. It’s helped me grow not just as a student, but as a person. Balancing a full-time job and full-time studies makes it tough to think too far ahead. But my focus is simple, finish school and earn my Airframe & Powerplant license. With the support and guidance at AIM, I know I’m on the right track. Back to you, Alex.
– Kevin, your story shows that an accessible education can transform a student’s future. From balancing full-time work and training to stepping into leadership as a student ambassador, you embody the AIM advantage. With determination and support, your path to earning the A&P license looks stronger than ever. Great job, Kevin.
Get ready to meet Q, who arrived at AIM searching for direction, and quickly discovered a sense of purpose. With no mechanical background, he found confidence through supportive instructors, hands-on projects, and a community that pushes each other toward FAA success. From job fairs to campus events, AIM helps students feel grounded and motivated. Q, take us inside your experience, you’re on.
– Thank you, Alex. What’s up, everyone? At the high school, I struggled a bit to find the right career path. I knew I didn’t want to attend a four-year college, but I also didn’t want to settle or live the same lifestyle I saw so many people around me was living. I wanted to be my own person and find something that generally felt like my purpose. When I first came to AIM, I was extremely nervous because I had zero experience fixing planes. But after my first week, that pressure went down a lot. I realized I wasn’t alone. So many of us were starting from scratch, and that gave me confidence. My teachers, especially my very first instructor, helped make school feel comfortable and welcoming. I made close friends here, people who motivate each other, push each other, and stay on top of each other for the FAA test. That kind of support goes a long way. Everyone wants to see each other succeed, and that’s special. The program itself is great. AIM’s shows you everything you need to know for the field. Hands-on projects are actually fun, especially if you never worked on planes before. They host job fairs all the time, proving they keep their promise to connect us with the real opportunities. And there is fun events too, like pizza days and ice cream trucks. All of it makes the experience even better. In just six months, I already learned how to weigh aircraft, dismantle an alternator, sheet and metal work, check electrical power, worked on safety wiring, and handle fluid lines. And this is only the beginning. There is so much more to learn. AIM helped me discover my purpose, and this school was the best decision I made for my future. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Q. Your journey from uncertainty to discovering a true sense of purpose is powerful. Your story shows how AIM welcomes students with no prior experience and gives them the confidence, the skills, and community they need to thrive. The determination you’ve shown in just six months is a testament to what’s possible here. Keep pushing forward, Q, your future in aviation is very, very bright.
To learn more about second chances, let’s talk to Lucy, whose entire family built their careers through AIM, including her brother who now teaches here. Her story proves that a new beginning can happen at any stage of life, personally or professionally. With strong instructors, tutoring, and hands-on training, AIM is helping her follow her family’s legacy with confidence. Lucy, over to you.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. As the year passed and I watched my family build strong careers in the aviation, I felt inspired to fall in their pet. That’s why I chose aviation mechanics at AIM, where my brother and my sister and my dad graduated from, and where my brother now work as instructor. It’s never to latest start has become a guiding principle in my life. Thanks to my family, especially my father, I’ve learned that age isn’t a barrier, is an advantage. Beginning a new chapter innovation after 30 has shown me that every experience I had has prepared me for this moment. My siblings motivate me with their accomplishments, but my father has taught me the true power of perseverance. I also love how my academic interests and my social life come together here, making this journey even more meaningful. Professionally, this mindset pushes me to take on challenges with confidence. Personally, it’s taught me to trust my path and value every step of it. It’s never too late to start means believing in yourself at any age and taking that first step with pride. AIM gives me the support I need to succeed. The hands-on learning helps me build real skills. And the industry-experienced instructors guide me with knowledge from the field. And when I need extra help, tutoring services are always there. These resources are making a huge difference in my training and confidence. My journey at AIM is shaping me into the profession I always wanted to become. Every lesson and every hands-on moment brings me closer to a fulfilling future innovation. That’s my story, Alex. The runway’s clear, ready for you to take off.
– Lucy, your journey proves that starting later isn’t a setback, it’s a strength. Your commitment to growth, supported by instructors, tutoring, and hands-on practice, shows how AIM helps students shape meaningful futures in aviation. Your family’s legacy continues through you. And we’re excited to see where your path leads. Thanks again, Lucy.
We can’t wait for you to meet Luis, who loves mechanics, but quickly realized aviation offers a deeper challenge. At AIM, he learns from instructors with decades of real world experience, bringing textbook lessons to life. With industry aligned training and pathways into top aviation companies, Luis knows firsthand that expert mentorship truly can shape a student’s future. Let’s take a look.
– Thanks for having me, Alex. High school came and went faster than expected. Certainly, you’re in the so called real world working a minimum wage job and realizing you need to study something if you want real options. The hard part is figuring out what. And if you weren’t a huge fan of high school like me, you already know traditional college is not the path either. That’s why I chose AIM. I’ve always been into mechanics and physics, starting with cars, but aircraft pulled me in fast. The level of complexity, the types of aircraft, the amount of engineering involved, you can spend a lifetime in aviation and never know everything. And that’s something I look forward to. What makes AIMS stand out is instructors. They’ve all held airframe and Powerplant licenses for years, sometimes decades, and they don’t just teach from textbooks. They teach from real experience, solving real problems, and working on real aircraft. Every five weeks, you change instructors, which means completely new perspectives, new experiences, and learning new parts of the industry. You also learn the social side of the job, the long-term career path, and how the industry works. I’m currently going through onboarding of Signature Aviation where I’ll be starting as a ramp agent. I plan to move to the mechanic side once I earn my certifications, but none of that would have been possible without AIM. AIM took my passion and helped to grow. The knowledgeable instructors and focused training truly let you master each topic. I’ve heard people say your A&P license is really your license to learn, and that mindset will stay with me for life. I’m grateful for AIM for setting up the foundation of my life. Alex, back to you.
– Luis, your passion for learning and your respect for experienced instructors shine through. AIM’s rotating faculty model gives students multiple perspectives, preparing them for the realities of the field. With Signature Aviation already on your horizon, your career is taking off. Congrats, Luis. Take care.
Let’s meet Jane, who grew up inspired by her father’s dedication to aviation. Now, just months away from graduating from AIM, she’s turning childhood memories into a meaningful career path. Her story highlights the power of hands-on learning, mentorship, and continuing a family legacy, showing how AIM’s supports students from their first lab to their certification milestones. Jane, tell us more.
– Thanks, Alex. Growing up, I was always fascinated by aviation through my father’s eyes. Watching his dedication and passion as he worked and went to school and inspired me to pursue the same path. It became more than simply following in his footsteps. It became about continuing the dream he started and carrying forward the hard work, purpose, and passion he lives by. My journey at AIM has been incredibly rewarding. Before enrolling, I had no mechanical experience, so this field was completely new territory for me. From day one, the hands-on training at AIM played a major role in building my confidence. Applying what I learned directly to real aircraft helped me understand the material on a deeper level and made the experience feel real and meaningful. As I progressed, I realized how much I was growing technically and personally. I’ve developed strong problem solving skills, learned how to think critically under pressure, and gained a sense of responsibility that comes with working in aviation. Teamwork has also played a major part of my training, teaching me how to communicate, collaborate, and support others. AIM has truly shaped me into a stronger, more capable version of myself. The support I received from my instructors has been instrumental. They’ve become mentors, guiding me through every step with encouragement and real-world insight. Their dedication helped me progress through my certification milestones and build the confidence I need to grow, learn, and succeed in this field. Continuing my father’s dream means honoring his love for aviation and preserving a legacy built on passion and dedication. For my family, it represents pride and the values he instilled in me. When I graduate, I plan to work for an airline and continue his aviation legacy with purpose. Pre-flight checks complete, Alex, sending it back to you.
– Jane, your commitment to honoring your father’s legacy is truly moving your growth from zero mechanical experience to passing certification steps with instructor support shows what AIM’s community can do. Your family’s story continues through you. And we know your next chapter in aviation will make them incredibly proud. Thanks for sharing, Jane.
Meet Angel, a New York native who grew up surrounded by engines and tools before discovering his passion for aviation. AIM’s hands-on training and industry partnerships help turn that passion into a professional pathway, being accepted into the prestigious British Airways Cadet Program. With hiring pipelines across major airlines, opportunities are endless through AIM’s partnerships. Take it away, Angel.
– Thank you, Alex. Growing up in a mechanic shop, I was always surrounded by tools, engines, and the rhythm of our work. Even though I loved everything mechanical, I was obsessed with aircraft. I used to watch aviation videos every day. And when my cousin enroll out AIM and share his experience, something clicked. And when I visited the school for the first time, I truly knew it was love by first sight. AIM felt like the perfect environment for someone like me. A place built an opportunity, support, and growth. During my time as a student, I saw how dedicated the instructors are. They don’t just teach, they mentor, guide you, and prepare you for the real world aviation. After graduating, AIM offered me a position under tool prep. That role became an essential part of my journey. It gave me hands-on experience and daily exposure to aircraft tools and systems. Plus, I got the professional mindset that I needed while studying for my Airframe & Powerplant license. Every day, I spend supporting students reminded me of why it shows this industry. Because aviation demands precision, discipline, and passion. Working at AIM bridged the gap between being a student and becoming a professional. It really shaped the mechanic I am today. After I earned my A&P license, AIM announced a partnership with one of the biggest international airlines, giving students the chance to be recruited directly into their cadet program. Being accepted into this partnership was life-changing. It became my first step into the aviation field as a certified aircraft mechanic. Today, I’m stepping in this industry with confidence, thanks to AIM and it’s industry partnerships. My journey is just beginning, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come. With AIM behind me, I’m excited to grow, learn, and continue turning this lifelong passion into my career. Alex, you’re clear to take off. Back to you.
– Amazing work, Angel, from growing up in a mechanic shop to stepping confidently into the British Airways Cadet program, your journey shows the power of mentorship, training, and real industry connections. AIM’s partnerships clearly create life-changing opportunities, and we are excited to see where your aviation career takes you next. Thanks again.
Let’s check in with Bianca from Teaneck, New Jersey, who once believed traditional college was the only path until she found AIM. Her story highlights why trade education matters, real skills, real confidence, and real jobs. With 21-month training programs and in-house career resources, AIM offers a fast, hands-on route to meaningful careers. Tell us all about it, Bianca. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. I always thought that earning a traditional college degree was the only path to success, then I found myself dropping out of college, enrolling in trade school, and eventually working for one of the largest aircraft maintenance operations in the country. More successful than I could have ever imagined. I was always told to go get a degree, so when I left college, I felt like I had completely failed, then I discovered AIM. With just 21 months of training, I could still graduate around the same time as the rest of my high school class. The program seemed promising, but the problem was, I had zero hands-on experience. How was I gonna be an aircraft mechanic if I didn’t even know how to use tools? But AIM believed in me. And as cheesy as it sounds, that helped me believe in myself. I quickly realized the classes were actually related to real world work. We broke down aircraft systems and learned real skills. The staff here truly cares about student success and prepares you every step of the way. The career services ladies helped me land my first job, and they supported me from the start to finish. And my friends, they made it feel like I wasn’t even going to school. The laughs, the late night study sessions, the support, they all became family. So why AIM? Why choose trade school at all? Because it’s focused training. Far more affordable than a four-year degree, the demand is extremely high. And AI is definitely not replacing aircraft mechanics anytime soon. What used to be a backup plan is now one of the most reliable and profitable career paths out there. I can’t recommend the trades enough. Go get your Airframe & Powerplant license today. Back to you, Alex.
– Bianca, what a transformation. Your leap from feeling uncertain in college to thriving in a national aircraft maintenance operation shows exactly why trade schools matter. With experienced instructors focused on needed skills and with strong career support, AIM’S programs truly open doors. Thank you for reminding us how powerful hands-on education can be. Thanks again, Bianca.
Earlier, I got to spend some time with Dr. Frederick Bonato, President of Manhattan University. Students describe President Bonato as a leader who is truly present in the community. From flipping pancakes in the quad during family weekend to cheering on the men’s and women’s basketball teams from court-side, President Bonato embodies what it means to be part of the active and engaging community here at Manhattan U. Take a look. I mean, what an incredible location. I mean, such a quaint campus but a stone’s throw from downtown Manhattan. That’s gotta be amazing for these kids.
– It really is. And I like to think of it as the best of both worlds. You could be in the epicenter of business, the arts, engineering, which is big for us, and then back here in minutes, back and forth. As you can see, our campus is very traditional in a way, but it’s very beautiful. In fact, “A beautiful Mind,” the film, was shot here. It’s actually Manhattan University. So it’s very beautiful. But in addition to being a lot of fun to go back and forth, it offers the opportunities for our students to engage in many internship opportunities in Manhattan. We have a very generous alumni base, alumni network, where there’s so many of them there working. They open the doors for our students. And as you know, in today’s world, those internships are very important pathways to employment. So it’s really those three things. It’s having fun, it’s the internships, and it’s getting jobs. And we have a really good track record of our students getting great jobs.
– Yeah, it’s spectacular. I’m curious of your thought about AI right now. How are you embracing and handling, you know, it seems to be the top of the conversation everywhere.
– Yeah, and it makes a lot of people nervous. You know, this AI has come in and people are nervous about jobs, people are nervous about it taking over the world, you know? But I think of it this way. In higher education, we have to be mindful of our students graduating with the skills they need to succeed. And that is now going to include AI.
– [Alex] Yeah.
– They need to be AI-ready, and that’s how we’re changing our curriculum. And our students, no matter what the major, no matter what field they’re going to go into, they need to know how AI works in that field and how they can use it. We don’t want them to be afraid of it. We want ’em to actually embrace it and run with it. All of our first year students starting this year, starting this last September, took an online AI course. We partnered with IBM.
– Wow.
– And this online course introduces them to AI and takes away some of the mystery. And then as they go forth, they will learn more in their individual fields.
– Yeah, well, I think that’s why we talk about it a lot is, like, you know, the students come out here, already, day one, and that’s an incredible ROI for them.
– You know, it’s not all about jobs, but it is a lot about jobs. I mean, a lot of students come and their parents are also interested. Will they get a good job when they leave here? And we have an excellent track record not only of them getting jobs in the fields they studied in, but also, in terms of salary, we rank very high. Payscale has us in the top 2% in the country.
– Incredible. It’s incredible, yeah.
– It’s clear that at Manhattan University, leadership isn’t just about titles. It’s about connection, presence, and pride. President Bonato’s genuine involvement reflects the heart of this campus, where every Jasper, from students, to faculty, to alumni, play a vital role in shaping a vibrant, supportive community. Thank you, President Bonato, for spending some time with us.
Let’s catch up with Ioannis, a sophomore civil engineering major and economics minor. Ioannis was a very active high school student in Connecticut, which is why he fell in love with the variety of clubs and organizations at Manhattan University. He says staying involved plays a crucial role for Manhattan Jaspers. Tell us more, Ioannis.
– Hey, everyone. Thanks for tuning in. For me, school is more than just what you learn in the classroom. In high school, I was heavily involved in extracurricular clubs and varsity sports. Being involved plays a crucial role in preparing for your success, as well as broadening your horizons. While touring the MU campus as a high school senior, I saw how much Manhattan University emphasizes extracurriculars. They encourage students to participate in clubs from day one. There’s a wide variety of events every week, from investment club stock pitches and aerospace clubs to medium airplane model-making, to Greek Club’s cuisine trips. Speaking of the Greek Club, I founded it here on campus because I noticed MU didn’t have one yet. It was a very straightforward process from start to finish because Manhattan encourages students to start clubs that they wish to see on campus. One of our most memorable events was co-hosting a Greek DJ night with a lot of good food and great friends. Today, we have over a hundred active members and are actively planning for big, future events. I’m also a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity chapter. Joining Greek Life has helped me connect with motivated, like-minded people around campus. I’ve met a lot of really great people that support each other in scholarship and brotherhood. We organize fun gatherings, as well as participate in volunteer events that help our local community. One event we’re all looking forward to is hosting tailgates for students to attend before basketball games. MU has a vibrant campus culture that fosters leadership and collaboration. And every experience prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the real world. Regardless of what your passions and hobbies are, Manhattan University has a place for you. Student life is not just a chapter, but a launchpad. At Manhattan University, we are building the mindset, resilience, and network to thrive after graduation. Back to you, Alex.
– From the Hellenic Student Association, where he gets to celebrate his Greek heritage, to Greek Life with the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity, Ioannis has given back to MU on campus and in the surrounding community. Keep up the amazing work, Ioannis. Thanks again.