First of 12 Locations Opens with Expected Throughput of 1,000 Students Per Year

United Airlines announced the launch of Calibrate, an in-house apprenticeship program aimed at building a pipeline of AMTs for the company. 

The inaugural class starts in Houston, Texas, where United Airlines expects to run the first of a dozen locations by 2026. Much like their flight academy, diversify stands front and center in their recruiting efforts, with half of the school's future AMT students being women or traditionally underrepresented minorities. The Calibrate program is a 36-month, paid, full-time certification and training process. That split from the normal AMT certification process should help United reach a different class of students, a base of recruits who couldn't easily attend a school out of pocket.

"Calibrate is a great opportunity for people who are interested in pursuing a rewarding career as an aircraft technician but don't have the resources or support they need to attend traditional technical schools or colleges," said Rodney Luetzen, United's VP of Line Maintenance. "This program will provide life-changing opportunities, help to diversify our workforce and give us access to an even bigger pool of talented, qualified, motivated people."

"The Airline Division has done an excellent job of promoting the Aviation Maintenance Technician craft," said Sean O'Brien, general president of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. "This program creates the diversity that the Teamsters are known for and will provide great jobs for not only our current Teamster members, but also the next generation."

FMI: www.united.com