FAA partners with college to train next generation air traffic controllers

FAA partners with college to train next generation air traffic controllers

To expand specialized training under the Enhanced Air Traffic-Collegiate Training Initiative, the U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced on Monday that the Federal Aviation Administration will be partnering with Nashua Community College.

“​​Our new partnership with Nashua Community College will help us continue to attract the best and brightest to fill our air traffic control towers,” Duffy said in a statement. “To all the young Americans considering a career in this exciting field – your work will make flying safer and more efficient than ever.”

Monday’s announcement is the newest program “to be announced this year” in Duffy’s initiative to build support for a new generation of air traffic controllers, according to the statement.

“Investing in the next generation of air traffic controllers is critical to maintaining the safety and efficiency of our national airspace,” said FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.

Across the country, the FAA has only nine programs that have been approved at eight colleges and universities. These programs reflect the curriculum and technology being used in Oklahoma City, Okla.

In New Hampshire, this marks the first FAA-authorized training program.

“By expanding training opportunities through these programs, we’re not only meeting today’s staffing needs—we’re building a resilient workforce ready to handle the challenges of tomorrow,” Bedford said.

“Expanding opportunities in high-demand fields is essential to ensuring New Hampshire has a dependable pipeline of talent,” New Hampshire Gov. Kelly Ayotte said.

During the Supercharge hiring campaign, over 10,000 people applied for it before it closed on March 17. Out of that many applicants, only 8,300 made it to the testing phase. By the end of July, the FAA broke a record by having 550 students enrolled at the FAA Academy. That’s the most they have had in agency history.

In order to receive an official endorsement certificate, students must pass the Air Traffic Skills Assessment, meet the required medical and background clearance standards, and successfully demonstrate their skills through an evaluation based on how well they perform.

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.15.28-PM

Monee Approves Over $566,000 Payment for New Public Works Facility Nearing Completion

Article Summary: The Monee Village Board approved a payment of $566,134.16 for the ongoing construction of its new Public Works building. Officials reported the project is on track for a...
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.11.44-PM

Sheepdog Firearms Gets Green Light for Special Use Permit in Monee

Article Summary: Sheepdog Firearms received final approval from the Monee Village Board for a special use permit to operate a retail and firearms range facility at 25812 S. Sunset Drive....
Wintrust-Crossroads-Sports-Complex

New Lenox Prepares for Grand Opening of Wintrust Crossroads Sports Complex

NEW LENOX – After months of anticipation and intensive work, the New Lenox Community Park District is making final preparations for the grand opening of its flagship Wintrust Crossroads Sports...
New-Lenox-School-122.2

New Lenox D122 Board Approves Tentative Budget, Sets September Public Hearing

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has approved a tentative budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year, maintaining its long-standing practice of balanced budgets funded by existing cash...
New-Lenox-Township-Food-Pantry

New Lenox Township Food Pantry Reports Record Demand in May

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Township Food Pantry experienced a record level of need in May, serving 431 families and 1,107 individuals, according to a report at the June...
NL-VB-July-28

New Lenox to Dedicate Street Honoring Pope Leo XIV, Citing Deep Local Ties

NEW LENOX – The Village of New Lenox is celebrating its unique connection to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, the first American to lead the Roman Catholic Church, by...
New-Lenox-School-122.7

D122 Renews Insurance Policies for Nearly $490,000

The New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has renewed its property/casualty and worker's compensation insurance policies for the 2025-2026 school year, with total costs amounting to nearly $490,000....
new-lenox-township.2

New Lenox Township Addresses Cemetery Needs, Appoints New Liaison

NEW LENOX – New Lenox Township is turning its attention to the care and potential expansion of its cemeteries, an effort that will be spearheaded by a newly elected trustee....
New-Lenox-Village-Board.2

New Lenox Police Chief Louis Alessandrini Retires; Sgt. David Nykiel Promoted in Leadership Transition

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Police Department is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Police Chief Louis Alessandrini retires after 20 years with the village, celebrated with an emotional...
Screenshot-2025-08-13-at-2.15.28-PM

Monee to Receive $250,000 Donation in Solar Project Agreement

Article Summary: The Village of Monee will receive a $250,000 donation from TPE IL W1202, LLC, after the Village Board authorized a community benefit agreement for a planned 5-megawatt solar...
new-lenox-park-district.6

New Lenox Park District Board Approves 2025-2026 Budget

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Community Park District Board of Commissioners unanimously approved the budget and appropriation ordinance for the 2025-2026 fiscal year during its regular meeting on June...
New-Lenox-School-122.6

Staffing Shortage Leads D122 to Renew Contract for School Psychologist

Facing a persistent staffing shortage for a critical role, the New Lenox School District 122 Board of Education has renewed its contract with an outside agency to provide a school...
Meeting Briefs

Meeting Summary: New Lenox Township for June 12, 2025

At its June 12 meeting, the New Lenox Township Board of Trustees heard reports on rising demand for community services, discussed ongoing maintenance projects, and assigned responsibilities to its newly...
New-Lenox-Village-Board.4

New Lenox Approves Major Residential Subdivision, Paves Way for Route 6 Commercial Growth

NEW LENOX – The Village Board took decisive action on two major developments Monday, giving final approval to a 55-lot residential subdivision for "empty nesters" and clearing a key hurdle...
New-Lenox-Sharons-Bay-Park

Contractor Selected for Sharon’s Bay Park Redevelopment

NEW LENOX – The New Lenox Community Park District is moving forward with plans to redevelop Sharon's Bay Park, having approved a contractor for the project at its Wednesday meeting....