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AvDyne AeroServices and the University of the District of Columbia Launch Partnership to Strengthen Aviation Technician Pipeline

April 8, 2026 Rachel Perrone
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Group of people in business suits standing around a UDC banner.
Pictured from left to right: Diamond Ventures Founder and Managing Partner C. Earl Peek; UDC Vice President for Innovation and Transformation Maria Byrd; UDC Chief Academic Officer April Massey; UDC President Maurice D. Edington; AvDyne CEO and President Jerome Hodge; AvDyne Vice President Greggory Hodge; UDC Community College Dean Marilyn Hamilton; and AvDyne Strategic Partnerships Advisor Vanessa Butler Andrew.

The University of the District of Columbia (UDC) and AvDyne AeroServices, LLC announced a new strategic partnership aimed at strengthening the regional aviation maintenance workforce and responding to growing national demand for FAA-certified aviation technicians.

Recent industry forecasts underscore the scale of the challenge ahead. According to Boeing’s 2025 Pilot and Technician Outlook, the global aviation industry will require nearly 2.4 million new aviation professionals by 2044, including approximately 710,000 maintenance technicians, driven by worker retirements and continued fleet expansion.

“This partnership represents a strategic investment in the future of aviation,” said Jerome Hodge, President and CEO of AvDyne AeroServices. “As demand for certified technicians continues to rise, it is essential that industry and education work together to build a workforce prepared to meet the technical precision and regulatory rigor of modern aviation.”

Through a new agreement, AvDyne and UDC will provide structured internship and externship opportunities for students enrolled in UDC’s aviation maintenance programs, offering direct experience in aircraft maintenance and repair environments. It also aims to:

  • Provide students with hands-on experience in active aircraft maintenance and repair operations.
  • Reinforce classroom learning through the application of FAA standards, safety protocols and operational procedures.
  • Support workforce pathways by preparing students for aviation careers and helping meet the region’s growing demand for skilled technicians.
“By partnering with AvDyne, we are connecting classroom learning with real-world aviation operations and helping ensure that the next generation of technicians is ready to meet the needs of this vital industry,” said UDC President Maurice D. Edington. “As the District’s only public university, UDC is proud to serve as a workforce engine for the city and the region — preparing our students for high-demand careers while strengthening the industries that keep our economy moving.”
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