Antelope Valley College students transformed classroom training into career opportunities during the recent Scaled Composites Connections recruiting event, where multiple students received job offers from one of the Antelope Valley's leading aerospace employers.
Held on May 29, the recruiting event connected students directly with hiring managers and industry professionals, providing an opportunity to showcase the technical skills, hands-on experience, and professionalism developed through AVC's Aircraft Fabrication and Assembly (AFAB) and Airframe Manufacturing Technology (AFMT) programs.
According to faculty reports, multiple AVC students, including Juan Flores, James Lomeli, Raul Ramirez, and Joseph Briceno, received employment offers during the event, highlighting the strong relationship between the college's workforce training programs and regional industry partners.
Among those hired was recent graduate Raul Ramirez, who accepted a position as a Composite Technician with Scaled Composites.
"The recruiting event was a great experience," Ramirez said. "It gave me the opportunity to meet representatives from Scaled Composites, learn more about the company, and show the skills I developed through the AFAB program."
Ramirez credited his education at AVC with preparing him for the opportunity.
"AVC and the AFAB program gave me hands-on experience working with composites," he said. "The program taught me industry techniques, safety procedures, and teamwork skills that helped prepare me for a position in aerospace manufacturing."
For Ramirez, receiving a job offer represents an important step toward a long-term career in the aerospace industry.
"Getting a job offer from Scaled Composites means a lot to me," he said. "I've always wanted to work in aerospace, and this gives me the opportunity to start building a career in something I'm passionate about. It's a big step toward my future goals, and I'm excited to keep learning and growing in the industry."
Recent graduate Joseph Briceno also received an offer as a Composite Technician. Briceno said the recruiting process moved quickly after he spoke with company representatives about his education and experience.
"My experience was very brief," Briceno said. "I told them I was graduating soon with my associate degree and explained my experience with composites. After a few questions, I was sent to the HR table with a job offer."
Briceno said AVC's aerospace programs provided the technical knowledge and critical-thinking skills needed to pursue a career in the field.
"AVC prepared me by helping me think critically and by teaching me how to work with composites and aircraft structures like the job requires," he said.
Faculty members say the success of AVC students at the recruiting event reflects the hands-on nature of the college's aerospace and manufacturing programs.
"Students in aerospace and manufacturing programs gain a competitive edge by combining traditional curriculum with industry-aligned, practical experience," said Andrea Smart, AFAB instructor. "These programs equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the workforce and successfully perform industry work."
John Tompkins, AFAB instructor, said students are exposed to the same tools, processes, and expectations they will encounter in the workplace.
"The Aerospace and Manufacturing programs at AVC provide hands-on opportunities for students to learn various manufacturing methods," Tompkins said. "Students gain experience interpreting blueprints, working with industry-standard tools and materials, and participating in simulated shop-floor environments that mirror real-world manufacturing operations."
Faculty also pointed to the confidence students developed through classroom projects and lab experiences as a key factor in their success.
"Students were able to leverage their experiences from AVC's shop floor to provide real-life examples of the work they were performing," Tompkins said. "Because they had done the work, they were able to relate with hiring staff and demonstrate the skills employers are looking for."
By connecting students with employment opportunities and supporting workforce readiness, AVC helps bridge the gap between education and career success.
For students like Ramirez and Briceno, the event provided more than a job offer, it offered a direct pathway into the aerospace industry and an opportunity to begin building long-term careers in one of the Antelope Valley's most important sectors.
Through hands-on training, industry engagement, and workforce partnerships, AVC continues to prepare students for success both in the classroom and beyond graduation.
