Page 49 - Southern Delaware Tourism - 2019 Visitors Guide
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To meet the needs of ALOFT management, Sussex County officials and DTCC invested in the Aviation Maintenance Technology program, where students learn to maintain the airframe and powerplant of an airplane. Graduates then become licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). On average, graduates can earn approximately $30 per hour. DTCC graduates about 24 students per year.
This has reduced the need for contracted labor by companies such
as ALOFT. In addition to becoming FAA-certified airframe and powerplant maintenance technicians, graduates can also become lead technicians, aircraft inspectors and maintenance controllers, earning from $33,000 to $47,000 per year.
“This is just one example of our local institutes of higher learning ensuring that they are graduating a quality workforce to meet the needs of our local employers,” said Bill Pfaff, Director of Economic Development for Sussex County. Pfaff added that the county donated the land near where ALOFT AeroArchitect operates its business
at the airport to help get the project off the ground. A $1.5 million building was constructed with private and state funding, and an additional $1.1 million in equipment was provided through federal and state resources.
working with the county on a low-interest loan program to help local
businesses expand their operations. From the
loan program to the County, the participating
A:Partnering with Sussex County and the National Development Council on the ExciteSussex loan program enables our
Amy Walls
Assistant Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) Director
Q:Discover Bank is
small businesses in our backyard and positively impact the Sussex County community. Discover organizations like the Small Business Development Center and others to serve businesses. The ExciteSussex program takes these technical businesses that need them to grow and prosper.
provides below-market loans for real estate acquisition or equipment purchases and will be an important tool to stimulate job growth. Participating longer than what is traditionally available in the marketplace.
We are thrilled to be a part of this initiative — knowing that together we can support a more prosperous business community in Sussex County.
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