Top 10 Career Advice for Young Filipino AMTs
Trying to make the right decision?
Well, you’re not alone. There are probably 25,000+ other Filipinos just like you who are wondering if they’re choosing the right move for their future careers.
To give you a better idea, here are some numbers based on our research:
- 1,000+ newly hired Junior-level Filipino AMT and AVT annually
- 5,000+ aircraft maintenance related course graduates each year
- 20,000+ aircraft maintenance related course students nationwide
And most of you are probably asking…
“Should I work in the Philippines or abroad?” or –
“Is a Bachelor’s degree better than an Associate’s degree?” and more.
Needless to say, a lot of people in aviation seeks the best answers that will solve their own unique situations.
If you are searching for an all-in-one solution, then this article is not for you. After many years of being Aircraft Mechanics, we can tell you for a fact that your idea of a successful career might be totally different from ours.
But how did we still find our own versions of success? It all started by knowing all our options before making any decisions. Years ago, we were very fortunate to be guided by people who are already experts in this field.
Now, it’s our time to return the favor by paying it forward to the next generation of Aircraft Mechanics. Time to explore what is best for you.
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1.) Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree?
2.) Stay in the Philippines or Work Abroad?
3.) License or No License?
4.) Career thru OJT or Exam for MTP?
5.) Line Maintenance or Base Maintenance?
6.) 2 Years Experience or 5 Years Experience?
7.) Airplanes or Helicopters?
8.) Skills or Knowledge?
9.) Pay for OJT or Pay for Training Program?
10.) Reviewers or No Reviewers?
#1: Associate’s Degree or Bachelor’s Degree?
Your Problem:
“Which of these two will give me a better chance of landing a job? A bachelor’s or an associate’s degree?”
Best Answer:
All of the above. The truth is, each of them has its own sets of pros and cons depending on your short and long term plans. But definitely, they equally give you a fair chance of getting hired as an aircraft mechanic.
Pros and Cons:
| Factors | Bachelor | Associate |
|---|---|---|
| Career Start | Conventional | Ahead |
| Licensing Requirements | Same | Same |
| Hireability | Same | Same |
| *Promotion | Same | Same |
*Note: Promotion is based on the regular criteria being followed by most Philippine aircraft maintenance organizations today. This may be affected by company location (country), position requirements, company internal policies, and others where a Bachelor’s degree usually becomes a more preferred credential.
#2: Stay in the Philippines or Work Abroad?
Your Problem:
“Should I stay in the Philippines or start applying for jobs abroad?”
Best Answer:
It depends. Decisions like these are purely situational. But FYI, Filipino aircraft mechanics typically start their careers here, but most of them end up working abroad just like any other skilled professionals in our country. After all, the offers there are much higher.
But is it all about big salaries and great benefits abroad? Our advice? Think twice. Working overseas has its own set of disadvantages. Because once you leave Pinas, that’s when you’ll realize the full meaning of the tagline: “It’s more fun in the Philippines."
Pros and Cons:
| Factors | Philippines | Abroad |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | Below Standard | Standard/Higher |
| Cost of Living | Manageable | Expensive |
| Culture | Familiar | Shocking |
| Paid with | PHP | USD |
| When You’re Sick | w/ Family | w/out Family |
| Language | Native Tongue | Customized English |
| Experience | Normal | Challenging |
| On Your Birthday | Lechon | Pancit Canton |
#3: License or No License?
Your Problem:
“Do I need a CAAP License in order to work as an Aircraft Mechanic?”
Best Answer:
Before, an AMT or AMS license was not required by most companies for entry-level positions. But recently, in order to be considered as a priority candidate, they now highly prefer already-licensed applicants.
What triggered this change? According to our research, due to the rise in supply of experienced aircraft mechanics caused by the COVID-19 downsizing, companies nowadays implement higher requirements for applicants, especially for new grads.
Regardless, having your license readied can be considered more as a potential advantage. Because eventually, you don’t want that license to become a reason for the delay in your promotion.
Remember, when you are already employed, it’s very hard to get a spare time to take care of those hard-to-pass CAAP license exams, so you might as well prepare for it now while you still can. Don’t let it become a problem in the future.
Pros and Cons:
| Factors | With License | No License |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Positions | Priority | Secondary |
| Certifying Staff | Required | Unqualified |
| Job Application Abroad | Preferred | Fair Chance |
| Promotion | Smooth Transition | Cause of Delay |
| Time Needed for Review | 2-4 weeks | N/A |
#4: Career thru OJT or Exam for MTP?
Your Problem:
“Will I focus on getting experience through OJT or spend my time finding an opportunity for MTP?”
Best Answer:
On-the-Job Training is one of the best ways to gain initial experience. However, OJT will not always guarantee you a job. It’s a common misconception among new grads that extending their time as an OJT will eventually qualify them for a regular position. Most of the time, it does not.
Maintenance Training Program (MTP) on the other hand could guarantee you a future career. Large aviation companies usually implement these programs to further develop young candidates and to make them their future employees.
But of course, it comes with a challenge – All candidates must pass an extremely difficult test called the MTP Entrance Exam. According to our research, around 90% of all exam takers fail this exam. Even worse, if you didn’t pass, you will have to wait another 6 months before they allow you to try again.
If you’ll ask us, we highly recommend that you consider OJT only as a temporary activity (3 months max), and the MTP as your ultimate goal.
Pros and Cons:
| Factors | OJT | MTP |
|---|---|---|
| Job Offer After Training | Close to 1% | 100% |
| Before Getting Absorbed | Years (if ever) | 4-6 Months |
| Learning | Basic | Basic to Advance |
| Training Certificate | Often Not Counted | In-demand |
| Career Progression | Steady | Boosted |
| Price | Free (Should Be) | Free (+Allowance) |
| Access | More Slots | Selected Few |
| Entrance Exam | None | Hard AF |
| Review for Entrance Exam | N/A | 3-6 weeks (Ideal) |
#5: Line Maintenance or Base Maintenance?
Your Problem:
“What division of aircraft maintenance should I aim to be a part of?”
Best Answer:
For all of those who are not familiar with the difference between these two, here’s a short comparison:
- Line maintenance is related to activities mostly carried out during normal turnaround periods while the aircraft remains in its operating environment (outside the hangar).
- Base maintenance includes activities that require the aircraft to be taken out of service for longer periods and which may require special equipment (performed inside hangars).
A straightforward answer to this question is: You’re in a good position either way. Maybe, instead of choosing between the two, you should aim to experience both worlds. Because ultimately, the person who gets the most diverse expertise is the one who truly deserves the title of “Full-Fledged Aircraft Mechanic.”
Pros and Cons:
| Factors | Line | Base |
|---|---|---|
| Work Location | Mostly Outdoors | Mostly Indoors |
| Work Deadlines | Fast-Paced | More Flexible |
| Tasks Involved | Routine | Non-Routine |
| Task Classification | Light | Heavy |
| Working Shifts | Always Changing | Regular Rotation |
| Weather Effect | Rain = Very Wet | Rain = Still Dry |
| Entry Salary Range | Same | Same |
| Career Progression | Based on Ratings | Based on Specialty |
#6: Two Years Experience or Five Years Experience?
Your Problem:
“At least how many years of experience is required to be hired in jobs abroad?"
Best Answer:
It can’t be denied. The idea of working abroad has crossed the minds of every Filipino aircraft mechanic. This is the sad reality of this industry. And we firmly believe that it will remain this way until our local employers can match the compensation offered by companies overseas.
The minimum experience typically starts at 2 years, but it varies from country to country, and the level of position you’re applying for. We just want to clarify that it’s not our intention to promote the idea of going abroad. We simply provide this information to assist you in making your decision.
Typical Range of Experience Requirements:
| Location | Junior Positions | Senior Positions |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 2-4 years | 8-10 years |
| Southeast Asian Countries | 2-3 years | 8-10 years |
| European Countries | 5 years | 10-15 years |
| USA | 5 years | 10-15 years |
| Middle Eastern Countries | 2-3 years | 8-10 years |
Note: These numbers are not permanent and are always subject to changes. One factor that may directly affect this is the types of employment offers which are categorized as Permanent and Contractual. Usually, permanent employment requires a higher number of years and a more specific set of credentials.
#7: Airplanes or Helicopters?
Your Problem:
“What kind of aircraft mechanic should I become?”
Best Answer:
Small or large, airplanes or helicopters – it doesn’t matter. What really matters is your passion to keep those aircrafts safe. Many people, especially new grads, are curious about these things (including us years ago). But the bottom line is, you will not know until you try.
Contrary to the common belief that your first career choice already means forever, many aircraft mechanics actually shift from one career path to another. So feel free and don’t be afraid to explore all your options.
Pros and Cons:
| Factors | Airplanes | Helicopters |
|---|---|---|
| Salary | Wide Range | Normally Higher |
| Opportunity | More | Fewer |
| *General Difficulty | Acceptable Level | Highly Specialized |
| Regular Maintenance Tasks | Many | Less |
| Usual Environment | Commercial | Military & GenAv |
*Note: Difficulty is based on our past interviews with aircraft mechanics who have actual experiences in both of these areas. These levels are not intended to be used as an accurate reference, but rather as a way to express educated opinions.
#8: Skills or Knowledge?
Your Problem:
“As an aspiring aircraft mechanic, what trait should I develop to improve my chances of getting a job?”
Best Answer:
As much as we would like to say both, our answer here is none of the above. Please don’t be misguided. We recognize the importance of these qualities. And yes, if we consider these two as the only real options, then skills would ultimately outweigh knowledge in the long run.
But there’s one more factor that’s far more valuable than these two, and that is called attitude (yes, this is not a typo). We know it sounds a little bit corny and overdramatic, but don’t judge us yet. A bad attitude is the most notorious early-career killer of all times. You don’t believe us? See it for yourself.
Chance of Getting Hired or Fired (Probationary Period):
| Factors | % of Getting Hired | % of Getting Fired |
|---|---|---|
| Low Knowledge | 60% | 40% |
| Low Skills | 70% | 30% |
| Being Lazy | 25% | 75% |
| Being Late | 5% | 95% |
| Being Absent | 0% | 100% |
| Wearing Improper Uniform | 0% | 100% |
| Reckless and Unsafe | 0% | 100% |
| Acts of Insubordination | 0% | 100% |
Note: All information is based on our surveys and interviews with aircraft mechanics. These percentages are based on their observation during their probationary period and are only intended as a method of expressing their personal experience on this matter.
#9: Pay for OJT or Pay for Training Program?
Your Problem:
“With a spare budget intended for additional training, where should I spend my money?"
Best Answer:
It’s a no-brainer. You should choose the Training Program.
Before we go further, we just want to highlight that we strongly disagree with the idea of paying for OJT. We believe that OJT opportunities should be free of charge and accessible to many. Back in the day, we got our OJT without spending a dime, and we hope that it will remain that way for generations to come.
We suggest Training Programs because they provide a more comprehensive knowledge refinement and a higher focus on skill development. Although OJT provides a better representation of the actual job, the scopes and goals of its training are often unspecified.
OJT is designed to simulate a sort of a general experience of the field. Whereas, Training Programs are usually designed to teach you about the specifics and the skills you will use in your future job.
Pros and Cons:
| Factors | OJT w/ Fee | Training Program w/ Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | Less Theory | Backed-up w/ Theory |
| Certificate | Often Not Counted | Often Credited |
| Pricing | Usually Cheaper | Usually Expensive |
| Skill Progression | Not Specified | Programmed |
| Exposure to Tasks | Assistant | Individual |
| Learning Process | Situational | Guided |
| Mentors | AMT Busy Working | AMT as Instructors |
#10: Reviewers or No Reviewers?
Your Problem:
“Is having a reviewer for CAAP License and MTP Entrance Exams really that important?”
Best Answer:
We know it may sound biased coming from us since we are offering the best and the latest CAAP and MTP reviewer app in town (shameless plug). But we assure you that our answer to this question is only for your own sake. Maybe it’s better told with a story of our own past.
Once upon a time, back when smartphones were only for rich kids and screenshots were done through a xerox machine, we, as young, hoping-to-be aircraft mechanics, are still struggling to get a career out of our AMT degrees. And what’s better than getting our CAAP licenses and joining the MTP, right?
Problem solved? Nope. It only just begun.
Trying to achieve these goals, to begin with, is no easy task at all. Each one of us has our own ways of dealing with it. Though there’s one thing we all have in common – the problem of passing the exams.
Pros and Cons:
| Factors | No Reviewers | With Reviewers |
|---|---|---|
| Passing the Exams | Below 10% | Above 90% |
| Total Expenses | Higher (long run) | Save a Lot |
| Time Consumed | Useless | Spent Wisely |
| Opportunities | Wasted | Grabbed |
| Career Progression | Delayed | On Time |
| Topic Familiarization | Very Slow | Better Everyday |
| Preparation | Stock Knowledge | Accurate Data |
| Future Employment | Based on Luck | Based on Effort |
| Night Before the Exam | Roller Coaster Ride | Sleep Like a Baby |
Our best early career advice? Get a reviewer.
In the past, we were already aware how important reviewers are. We looked at it this way: Getting a CAAP license will help open a lot of opportunities for us, and passing the MTP exam is almost the same as getting our first jobs already. And for us to reach these goals, we really need a reviewer.
But finding it is not that simple. Before, it takes a lot of sweet talking tactics just to convince strangers (people outside the exam site) to lend us spare copies of their reviewers. It’s really hard and frustrating.
Worst part about all this? After spending a lot of time searching for reviewers and almost all our saved up money just to keep up, at the end of the day, we fail the exams. Why? Because not all reviewers are reliable and accurate.
All we wished for at that moment was for “someone” to create the ultimate solution that will truly help young AMTs and AVTs like us to study with ease without spending too much time or money. And most of all, to finally become Aircraft Mechanics.
But what we didn’t realize back then is that “someone” will also be us after long years of working in the aviation industry. Maybe life is just mysterious that way.
Now, we are proud to present this one-of-a-kind online reviewer app especially modeled to solve all your CAAP and MTP exam needs – our wish from the past came true after all.
