Jeff Pascoe ⋅ Mount Pleasant, SC Boeing ⋅ 28 years experience

Since you are in southeast, try applying to a few of the Boeing sites in the area.

Charles Bonilla ⋅ Chicago, IL PeopleScout, A TrueBlue Company ⋅ 3 years experience

Try this:
http://www.planetechs.com/

PlaneTechs provides more people, working on more platforms, in more places than any other contractor company in the U.S. Since 1997, we've worked with some of the industry's best-known companies, and have helped dozens of smaller companies, too. In 2003, PlaneTechs purchased AirMate, an aviation staffing company that began in 1990.

What makes PlaneTechs unique is our focus on aviation MRO and mechanical trades - it's all we do. In addition, our recruiting process is driven by a sophisticated system that enables us to recruit, employ and dispatch a broad range of aviation employees to your job sites quickly, seamlessly and reliably.

PlaneTechs is backed by the resources of one of the best known staffing corporations in the world - TrueBlue, Inc. (NYSE: TBI). Acquired by TrueBlue in 2007, PlaneTechs joins their family of blue-collar staffing brands that includes Labor Ready, CLP Resources, Spartan Staffing, and Centerline.

Download and view the PlaneTechs Fact Sheet for more information about our company.

Paul Harrison ⋅ Pennington, NJ Dartswift Aviation, Inc. ⋅ 25 years experience

Nicholas. I work in the aviation field, so my answer goes towards the aviation mechanic part of your question. To begin working as an aircraft mechanic, you will need your FAA Airframe and Powerplant licenses (A&P). You mentioned trade school, so I am guessing that this is what you are pursuing. Once licensed look for a way to get a foot in the door at an aircraft operator. I see way too many mechanics searching for jobs that want to be hired into a specific, high level position. These applicants usually get rejected. The ones that get the job are willing to start at the bottom, towing, washing, cleaning aircraft, or working at odd hours, either early or late. A good way to gain experience is at a corporate aviation operator. They often look for a mechanic to fill in when employees are on vacation or otherwise unavailable..

Douglas Lavelle ⋅ Chatham, NJ Financial Services ⋅ 24 years experience

Thank you for your service. I am not in that field, but thought this may help. JSFirm.com, I would also recommend short listing of companies where you would like to work. From there, you can target the HR groups and also start/continue networking. Glad to assist further. Best- Doug