Market Intelligence: North America

United States – Aircraft maintenance and flight training group Spartan Education Group (SEG) is proud to announce its participation in the 35th Annual Women in Aviation International Conference, taking place from March 21-23, 2024, at the World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida. Global airlines, female aviators, prospective aviators, and aviation education groups, like SEG, will gather to foster gender diversity and female inclusion within the aviation and aerospace industry.

The Women in Aviation International (WAI) is the largest organization in the world dedicated to empowering and supporting women within all aspects of the aviation industry. The 2023 WAI Conference broke records with a total attendance of more than 4,500, including 136 international representatives from 32 countries, including Canada, Ghana, Norway, United Kingdom, Nigeria, Kenya, Germany, and others.

“In most aviation occupations, women make up less than 20% of the workforce—and for the last 60 years, the introduction of women into the aviation and aerospace industry has been largely dormant. The aviation industry needs more women to pursue aviation careers to access the breadth of talent needed to meet our current—and growing—workforce challenges. Attracting, retaining, and advancing women in aviation is critical to the aviation industry’s safety, sustainability, profitability, and ability to innovate,” states WAl’s mission.

SEG will be an exhibitor at the WAI Conference, underscoring their dedication to training female professionals in aviation and related fields. SEG operates a collegiate FAA Part 141 aviation flight training program in Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as additional FAA Part 141 training in Chicago, Illinois and Broomfield, Colorado, and collegiate FAA Part 147 training in Tulsa, OK; Broomfield, CO; Inglewood, CA; and Riverside, CA. SEG currently has a 13% female student body and recognizes the importance of nurturing a diverse talent pool to address the evolving needs of the aviation sector.

For nearly a century, SEG’s Aeronautics and Technology colleges have been developing future aviation professionals nationwide, resulting in the training of over 100,000 pilots and technicians.

Jill Cagle graduated from SEG’s Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Tulsa campus in 2007, where she earned an Associate of Applied Science Professional Pilot degree. She epitomizes the essence of a female leader in aviation. After graduating from Spartan College, she embarked on a career as a charter pilot and more recently accepted a position flying for American Airlines. Reflecting on her time at Spartan, a fellow pilot remarked, “Jill was one of my instrument instructors, and she was exceptional! Professional, thorough, and always helpful. I can only imagine she’s an outstanding captain.” Jill’s work takes her across the United States, a journey she cherishes for the travel it entails. Grateful for her education at Spartan, she notes, “Their structured approach to teaching mirrored that of airlines, which greatly facilitated my learning process.”

Nicole Fern graduated from SEG’s Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Tulsa campus in 2007, with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology. After graduating, she worked as a Contractor for the Department of Defense and spent 11 years as an Aircraft Mechanic, and seven years as a Quality Assurance Aircraft inspector. She now continues her career as a Maintenance Supervisor for Amentum, a global systems integration and technology solutions company. In her roles, Nicole has had the opportunity to work on a variety of notable aircraft, such as the UH-60 Blackhawk, CH-47 Chinook, AH-64 Apache Helicopter, and more. Fern is passionate about helping inspire other women interested in aviation technology to start their training journeys. Her most significant piece of advice to others interested in following in her footsteps? “Find a mentor who can help support you in your journey, and don’t be fearful to ask for help.”

SEG encourages their alumni, and anyone interested in learning about training for a career in aviation to stop by Spartan Education Group’s booth #2231 at the WAI Conference.

About Spartan Education Group 

Spartan Education Group, LLC (SEG), headquartered in Chicago IL, acquired Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology in 2012. Spartan College, established in 1928, has trained over 100,000 pilots and aviation technicians 866.707.7652 | To learn more and for consumer information for Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology including locations of training, school licensing, and accreditation visit www.Spartan.edu. Spartan College is a system of three schools with four locations in the Tulsa, Denver, Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas that provide Aviation Maintenance Technology and Aviation Flight education for the aviation industry. Programs, credential levels, technology, and scheduling options vary by campus and are subject to change. Third-party certifications and employment opportunities are not guaranteed. Financial aid is available for those who qualify. Separately, SEG operates McAir Aviation flight school in Broomfield, CO and Illinois Aviation Academy in West Chicago, IL. Administrative office: Spartan Education Group, LLC, 1 N. Franklin St., Suite 2125, Chicago, IL 60606 .

Source: Spartan Education Group
Photo Credit: Spartan Education Group