OUR MISSION
Preparing the Next Generation of Airplane Mechanics, Pilots, and Avionics Specialists for Electric & Conventional Aircraft.
WE ARE AN
AVIATION FAMILY
Habitat for Aviation is guiding the next generation of mechanics, pilots, and avionics specialists through hands-on apprenticeship, inclusion, and community.
We are a nonprofit committed to reshaping our aviation workforce by offering opportunities that spark interest and lead to real-world apprenticeship experiences—where youth and adults—especially girls, women, and those historically underrepresented in aviation—build skills, confidence, and belonging through real work alongside trusted mentors on real aircraft.
The aviation industry is growing at a rapid pace, yet challenges loom. In addition to an industry-wide pilot shortage, we do not have qualified maintainers to support this growth. Remaining on this current trajectory will result in a 24% deficit of almost 43,000 maintainers by 2027 (Oliver Wyman).
We’re Rescripting the Narrative Around the Trades
LISTEN TO SOME OF OUR TEAM MEMBERS
WHY THIS MATTERS IN VERMONT
Why This Matters in Vermont
In Vermont, women working full-time earn just 86 cents for every dollar earned by men—a gap that persists even at the highest levels of education. Women with graduate degrees earn only 71 cents on the dollar compared to men with graduate degrees (Vermont Women’s Fund Mini-Report, 2026).
Education alone does not close the wage gap.
Access to high-skill, high-wage technical careers does.
When we expand who belongs in aviation maintenance and avionics, we are not only addressing a workforce shortage—we are expanding economic mobility across our state.
To grow an apprenticeship program that trains the next generation of aviation technicians and avionics specialists for conventional and electric aircraft through apprenticeship, and to serve as a proof point for learning through relationships, relevance, and practice.
OUR MISSION
OUR VALUES
We value trusted relationships, teamwork, meaningful, relevant work with one’s hands, practice, learning through apprenticeship, and inclusivity.
YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING PROGRAM
Our youth apprenticeship training program at Franklin County Airport in Swanton, Vermont, is preparing the next generation of airplane mechanics, avionics specialists, and pilots. Funds from our capital campaign will enable us to transform our 9,600 sq foot warehouse into a hangar where youth will work alongside trusted adults to earn their mechanics, avionics, and pilots licenses for both electric and conventional aircraft.
RELATIONSHIPS, RELEVANCE, PRACTICE
Relationships, relevance, and practice are at the core of what we do. Our communities thrive when youth and adults have strong, supportive relationships. Our work instantly becomes meaningful when it is based in the real world and matters – this is why we work on real aircraft that are returned to service. We only get better when we have the opportunity to practice – this is the same for relationships, knowledge, and skills.
GUIDING THE NEXT GENERATION INTO AEROSPACE - ONE YOUTH AT A TIME
Passion drives aviation, there is no better way to foster and develop a passion than through the hands-on work of apprenticeship at Habitat for Aviation. In addition, the aviation industry is growing and there is an exceptional demand for qualified and experienced mechanics who love what they do and are good at it. Together, let’s inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals!”
Kyle Clark, CEO, Founder of BETA Technologies
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THANK YOU TO OUR PARTNERS
Our work to expand access, opportunity, and representation in aviation and aviation maintenance is made possible through the support of our incredible partners.
