4blackyouth.com had the opportunity to interview a young brother from the South Side of Chicago who is fixing jet aircraft and getting paid. We caught Mr. Ward in the hanger near one of the helicopters that he's working on.

4BY: What is your job title and what credentials do you hold?

CW:  I am an FAA Licensed Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic.  Basically I can build and repair all types of aircraft from helicopters and small planes to large commercial airliners.

4BY:  What led you to choose your profession?

CW: What led me to my career as an aircraft tech was what I call two wise black men that I met when I was a young man, they became my mentors.  They knew that each one must teach one and as a youth I had a desire to learn. There talents happened to be in Aviation!  One a mechanic and the other was a pilot.

4BY: How long have you been working in your field?

CW: I would say I have been in aviation since I was 13 years old but as a licensed Mechanic 5 years.

4BY: What company do you work for? 

CW: I work for Spiritaero Systems a aviation Manufacturing Company.

4BY: Describe your career path and how you got to where you are today.

CW:   I found one of the best schools in the country called Spartan College in Tulsa Oklahoma and enrolled, my life hasn't been the same since but it all start with one small focused action, a phone call and a strong desire to change my life for the better.

4BY: How could someone get to where you are faster than you did?

CW: A tighter focus on the goal of becoming a mechanic and taking actions a bit faster.  It's all about action.  You've got to get out there and make things happen.