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CU Student Choice and Directions Credit Union offer new financing option for aviation maintenance trainees

WASHINGTON, DC (September 9, 2024) — CU Student Choice, the leading provider of higher education financing solutions to America’s credit unions, announced that it has collaborated with Directions Credit Union to provide lending solutions for trainees in the Aircraft Maintenance Technician program at the Federal Aerospace Institute (FAI).

“The air travel industry simply cannot operate without qualified technicians to keep planes in the sky and keep passengers, pilots and crews safe,” said Jim Holt, Chief Development Officer for Student Choice. “As many of these skilled workers approach retirement age, FAI’s training program is invaluable. By offering a responsible lending solution to finance this coursework, Student Choice and Directions are proud to support the next generation.”

“According to Boeing, 690,000 new maintenance technicians will be needed to meet the demand of the industry over the next 20 years,” said Barry Shaner, Chief Executive Officer for Directions Credit Union. “Directions Credit Union is committed to meeting the financial needs of our members and communities, and having access to responsible lending solutions opens doors for trainees to pursue this critical career pathway.”

Located at the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport, FAI students can earn their Airframe & Powerplant certification for a career as an FAA Certificated Aircraft Maintenance Technician.

Nearly a dozen Student Choice credit unions now offer funding options for aviation maintenance, pilot training, nursing, line workers, and other skilled trades programs, in addition to traditional undergraduate and graduate degrees.

Working on Plane

Trainee

Gatjka and Swan – Jillian Gajtka, VP of Sales and Client Services for CU Student Choice, and Scott Swan), Senior VP of Lending for Directions Credit Union, recently visited the Federal Aerospace Institute (FAI).

About CU Student Choice

CU Student Choice is a credit union service organization (CUSO) that positions credit unions as leaders in education finance by offering a comprehensive solution that helps them deliver fair-value private education loans and corresponding financial education to students and families. To learn more, visit www.studentchoice.org.

 

About Directions Credit Union

Directions Credit Union was founded in 1953 as St. Clements Credit Union. Over the years, the credit union has grown to become one of the largest credit unions in the State of Ohio. Directions Credit Union has current assets of more than $1 Billion and over 100,000 members. There are 23 branch locations in the Toledo Area, Central Ohio, and Southeast Michigan. Directions offers a full array of financial services including savings, checking, investments, auto loans and leasing, mortgage and home equity loans, credit cards, personal loans, and business services. These offerings generally feature better rates and lower fees than traditional banks. Membership is available to people who live, work, worship, attend school or volunteer in Wood, Fulton, Lucas, Huron, Ashland, Richland, Wayne, Knox, Tuscarawas, and Crawford Counties in Ohio and Lenawee and Monroe Counties in Michigan. To learn more about Directions Credit Union visit directionscu.org

About FAI

At the Federal Aerospace Institute (FAI), we’re dedicated to ensuring high quality education with our experienced and passionate FAA certified instructors. With over 150 years combined aviation technical experience, we’re confident that you’ll find our learning environment the best in the region. We’re committed to bringing your career vision to fruition.

Our mission is to provide excellent training and skill sets that will prepare you for future success, it’s that simple.  After a mere 20 months, you could be well underway to a rewarding and adventurous career that can provide employment and financial stability, travel opportunities, and generous benefits.  Visit https://federalaerospaceinstitute.com/ for more information.

 

Contacts

Mike Weber
Chief Marketing Officer
Student Choice
mweber@studentchoice.org
563-599-1193

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