From Medicine to Mechanics: Veronica Morales’ Journey to SkyWest Airlines

When Veronica Morales first embarked on her academic journey, she never imagined that she would end up pursuing a career in aviation maintenance. In fact, her initial path led her toward the medical field, a choice that seemed natural and straightforward. But as she soon discovered, life had other plans.

Veronica’s story is one of unexpected twists and turns. “If I’m being honest, becoming an aircraft mechanic was never part of my original plan. It feels like the field of aviation maintenance found me, or maybe it was always there, waiting for me to discover it,” said Veronica.

Her journey began with a simple habit—watching airplanes and military jets fly overhead as a way to unwind. This routine eventually sparked a passion for aviation that she could no longer ignore.

Determined to follow this newfound interest, Veronica researched and found the Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program at the San Joaquin Valley College (SJVC) Fresno – Trades Education Center. Despite having no prior experience with aircraft, she knew that this was going to be her path in life.

“In that moment, I felt an undeniable certainty that this was where I was meant to be. Making the switch from medicine to aviation maintenance was a huge leap, and I was incredibly nervous. Still, deep inside, I knew that this was the path I was always meant to follow,” she recalled.

The AMT program at SJVC is designed to equip students with the essential skills needed for aviation maintenance. Students like Veronica learn about turbine engine systems, propeller and engine auxiliary systems, basic electricity and electronics, and aircraft landing gear. In as little as 14 months, graduates are eligible to test for an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license through the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). SJVC prepares students to take appropriate certification and licensure exams related to their individual majors. The College does not guarantee students will successfully pass these exams or be certified or licensed as a result of completing the program.

Veronica’s hard work and dedication did not go unnoticed. As she progressed through the program, she was selected to participate in SkyWest Airlines’ AMT Recruit Event in Salt Lake City, Utah, from August 13-14, 2024. This event, which included an all-expenses-paid trip, was a game-changer for Veronica. At first, she was hesitant to accept the opportunity, but soon realized this was something she needed to take seriously. So she decided to apply and give it her best.

The trip to Salt Lake City was a whirlwind experience. Veronica was able to meet with SkyWest’s hiring team, tour their maintenance hangar, and even sit in the flight deck of one of their planes. The event also included a team bonding activity at a go-kart track, where Veronica connected with fellow AMT recruits and SkyWest staff. Despite some initial nerves, she found herself impressed by the company’s culture and the genuine sense of community among its employees.

“What struck me the most was how this experience reflected SkyWest’s true spirit. The night wasn’t perfect, but it was in those imperfect moments that I saw the heart of the SkyWest family. Their ability to handle challenges with humor and grace, and their focus on creating a memorable experience despite the setbacks, showed me that this is a place where teamwork and support truly matter,” said Veronica.

As her trip to SkyWest was ending, Veronica found herself at a crossroads. She had initially set her sights on working with military contracts, drawn by the financial incentives. But her experience at SkyWest left a lasting impression.

“As I gazed out of the window, the conversation from the day before replayed in my mind. I started to wonder if perhaps the base I had been so set on wasn’t the perfect fit after all. The idea of working for SkyWest, which had seemed like a distant possibility, now felt like it might hold something I hadn’t fully appreciated before.”

Veronica’s journey is a testament to the power of following one’s instincts, even when the path ahead is uncertain. As she prepares to graduate from SJVC’s AMT program she looks forward to a future with SkyWest Airlines—a company that, like the planes she once watched in the sky, has become a source of inspiration and possibility.