CEO Says Recruiting New Mechanics Is Difficult Due To Lack Of Adequate Training Programs

The CEO of Bangor, ME-based C&L Aviation Group says that unless a program to train aircraft mechanics opens in the city soon, he may have to take his expansion plans out of the area.

Chris Kilgour says that the schools in the region do not offer enough classes in aircraft maintenance and repair, and the labor pool simply does not exist to match the needs of his expansion plans. "We're already turning away business," he told the Bangor Daily News

Kilgour said that he has had conversations with several schools in the area, including Maine Community College and the University of Maine at Augusta, which has a Bangor campus. The school officials have told the paper that they do not have the $2 to $2.5 million it would take to start up an MRO training program.

Bangor City Councilman Joe Baldacci has proposed that the city provide up to $2 million to allow one of the schools to stand up a maintenance and repair program. He said it would be a good investment to expand the tax base and bring more people to the area.

C&L was attracted from Australia to Bangor in 2010 in part by a $5 million federal and local  incentive package, of which the city contributed $3 million. Since relocating, the company has grown from 20 to more than 300 employees, according to the report.

While Kilgour said that his company does not have the cash to support such a program, it could make an in-kind contribution of an aircraft or other equipment for training purposes. The company currently trains up to 9 mechanics through an apprenticeship program which takes up to two years to complete.

Kilgour is reportedly looking to fill 50 jobs immediately, and eventually hopes to double his company's staff.

(Image from file)

FMI: Original Report