DENVER ~ Denver, CO - In a joint effort to support economic development and job creation in Pueblo County, Governor Jared Polis, the Business Funding & Incentives division of the Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), and the Office of Just Transition (OJT) within the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) have announced state support for a new Aviation Maintenance Technician program through Pueblo Community College.

The program, which is being developed by CAE Training Center, the City of Pueblo, and Pueblo Community College, aims to train new aviation maintenance technicians with a focus on serving former coal workers, veterans, and high school graduates. Governor Polis expressed his excitement for the impact this funding will have on the community, stating that it will not only drive economic development in Pueblo County but also expand travel opportunities in Southern Colorado and create 45 new well-paying jobs.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there is a growing demand for aircraft mechanics as many current mechanics are approaching retirement. The Aviation Maintenance Technician program is expected to create a minimum of 45 new full-time jobs in Pueblo County over three years with a median annual salary of approximately $79,140.

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Pueblo Mayor Heather Graham also expressed her pride in working with community partners to bring this program to fruition. She believes that collaboration is key to improving the community as a whole. Dr. Chato Hazelbaker, President of Pueblo Community College, echoed this sentiment by stating that their mission is centered around working with partners to bring high-wage jobs to students. He sees the Aviation Maintenance Technician program as a win for the region.

In November 2025, the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved $471,423 in funding for the program. This funding is part of an ongoing effort by Governor Polis' administration and OEDIT/OJT to support communities that have relied on coal mines and coal-fired power plants for employment. The goal is to help these communities find new sources of jobs and property tax revenues.

OEDIT Executive Director Eve Lieberman expressed her excitement for supporting such a unique and locally-driven initiative. She believes that the Aviation Maintenance Technician program will not only train workers for a high-demand field but also diversify the local economy, attract new businesses, and contribute to a sustainable future for Pueblo's aviation industry.

OJT Director Wade Buchanan also shared his enthusiasm for programs like this in Colorado's coal communities. He sees this program as a prime example of how one community can diversify its local economy as coal facilities prepare for closure.

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The approved funding will go towards staff wages, renovations, equipment, and curriculum development over two-and-a-half years. Pueblo Community College has committed to ensuring the ongoing sustainability of the AMT program after the grant's completion.

This project has received significant support from local and regional entities such as the City and County of Pueblo, CAE Pueblo Training Center, Pueblo Airport Advisory Committee, Pueblo Community College, and Pueblo Corporate College.

The Office of Just Transition was created in 2019 within Colorado's Department of Labor and Employment to assist workers and communities affected by the closure of coal mines and coal-fired power plants. Its purpose is to help workers transition to new high-quality jobs while also supporting communities in their efforts to expand and attract diverse businesses to replace lost revenues.

The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages economic development and job growth. OEDIT offers financial, technical, and advisory assistance to businesses and communities in order to support economic growth across Colorado through its various programs and services.

With this new state support for the Aviation Maintenance Technician program at Pueblo Community College, it is clear that Governor Polis' administration is committed to helping communities like Pueblo thrive by providing opportunities for economic growth and job creation.

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