Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that about 30 percent of all aeronautical and aerospace technicians are union members or are covered under a union contract. The main unions are the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (https:// www.goiam.org), International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (https://www.ifpte.org); the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace (https://www.speea.org); Transport Workers Union of America (https://twu.org); and the United Automobile, Aerospace, and Agricultural Implement Workers of America (https://uaw.org), but some technicians are also represented by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (https://www.teamster.org).

There are many other useful organizations for technicians. ABET accredits technology education programs. Students for the Exploration and Development of Space is an international organization of high school and college students dedicated to promoting interest in space. Other organizations that provide useful resources and professional support to technicians include the Aerospace Industries Association, the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, the American Society for Engineering Education, and the General Aviation Manufacturers Association. The Aerospace Industries Association of Canada provides resources to technicians who work in Canada.