A high school junior is training to become an aircraft maintenance technician, a job that doesn't require a college degree and can earn more than $100,000 within several years.
The aviation industry is running out of people who keep planes flying safely and on time, with over 40% of America's aviation mechanics over 60 and approaching retirement.
Entry-level salaries have soared about 50% since 2020, and the labor shortage is projected to hit nearly 7,000 certificated mechanics in North America next year.
Airlines are offering signing bonuses of up to $75,000 and paying workers while they go through apprenticeship programs to recruit workers.
Some employers are trying to improve the job's work-life balance and make it more appealing to young people.
A mentorship program at Horizon Air has helped one technician, Kayler Randall, 25, to advance in his career and now he mentors up-and-coming students himself.
