First-Ever Program Connects Students With Citadel Completions

The Louisiana Workforce Commission State Apprenticeship Council approved the state’s firct-ever Aviation Maintenance Apprenticeship program. The program connects SOWELA Technical Community College Aviation Maintenance students with a PAID apprenticeship at Citadel Completions in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

The state’s approval and the connection with Citadel are in response to a high demand for aviation maintenance technicians. The two-year apprenticeship not only provides students with on-the-job training but also an opportunity to land a full-time position after graduating. The entry-level jobs are tailored to the skills students learned in their apprenticeship.

Christian Ogden, Employee Development Specialist for Citadel Completions said, “An aviation apprenticeship program is an invaluable way to develop skilled professionals in the industry. By combining hands-on experience with structured training and mentorship, apprentices gain critical technical expertise while actively contributing to real-world aviation operations.

“This immersive approach not only builds confidence and competence but also sets the foundation for a successful, long-term career in aviation.”

Apprentices start at $22/hour with raises as they earn additional certifications through SOWELA’s Aviation Maintenance program. Upon completion, and if offered a full-time job at Citadel, new grads could go up to $29/hour.

The Aviation Technician Education Council’s Pipeline Report says the current shortage of maintainers is estimated at 9% but will rise  to 20% – about 25,000 – by 2028.

Chelsea Dufrene, LED (Louisiana Economic Development) FastStart Executive Director said, “Creating workforce development partnerships with educational institutions and employers is a key strategy that ensures workers are ready to continue Louisiana’s proud history of aviation innovation.

“LED’s past partnership with Citadel Completions has made the company a Southwest Louisiana economic development success story, and we applaud SOWELA’s efforts to pair the next generation of workers with exciting opportunities.”

FMI:  www.sowela.edu/