A partnership between Irving ISD and Envoy Air Inc. is expected to take the School of Aviation Science at Irving High School to new heights. The collaboration will connect the demands of a growing industry with the interests and skills of Irving ISD students.
Students enrolled in the School of Aviation Science can pursue one of three career pathways - aviation science, aviation technology or drone engineering. The program provides students with the academic foundation and technical skills they need to succeed in the aviation industry - including certifications in Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), FAA 101, AutoDesk Inventor and Drone Safety. The partnership with Envoy takes their opportunities a step further providing students with relevant, realâ€world connections to extend their learning.
“This partnership will give these students an opportunity to learn from a leading regional airline company in the aviation industry,” says Shawn Blessing, Irving ISD director of Signature Studies. “Through this partnership, Irving ISD aviation students will learn from the best in the industry, a company that is known for their service, craftsmanship and commitment to excellence - exactly what we aspire to teach our students through our Signature Studies programs in Irving ISD.”
Through the partnership, Envoy will provide guest speakers on a quarterly basis, as well as establish a “Day at Envoy” tour to expose the myriad of opportunities available in the airline/aviation industry. The company will also look to develop an apprenticeship program with Irving ISD students and Envoy technicians. In addition, at the official partnership signing today, Envoy surprised program instructors and students with a professional Sonic tool box, complete with tools valued at $2,800.
“At Envoy we pride ourselves on hiring the ‘best of the best’ and opening our doors to young talent that has excelled in their areas of study,” says Jay Murray, vice president of maintenance for Envoy Air. “Over the years, we’ve provided opportunities for countless technical and customer service professionals who have a commitment to excellence and the desire to join a company that has been consistently growing.”
Envoy Air Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines Group, operates more than 170 aircraft on nearly 1,000 daily flights to more than 150 destinations throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas and Caribbean. The company’s nearly 17,000 employees provide regional flight service to American Airlines under the American Eagle brand and ground handling services for many American Airlines Group flights. The company was founded in 1998 as American Eagle Airlines Inc., following the merger of several smaller regional carriers to create one of the largest regional airlines in the world. Envoy is headquartered in Irving, Texas, with hubs in Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, New York and Miami, with a large ground handling operation in Los Angeles. Envoy operates two heavy maintenance bases in Abilene, Texas, and Marquette, Mich., along with maintenance facilities in eight other locations throughout the U.S.
The partnership is expected to benefit more than 350 Irving ISD high school students with hopes of one day entering the lucrative and successful field of aviation.
The partnership was made official at a signing held today at Irving High School.
