Aviation Techs Can Train and Work at Flexjet from Square One

Flexjet has embarked on a partnership with Purdue University to bolster its pipeline of incoming Aviation Maintenance Technicians, offering a program that combines hands-on apprenticeships with remote learning. 

The “AeroSphere for Business Aviation” program will make use of Purdue’s Center for Research and Education in Advanced Technology Ecosystems (a fun name that allows them to use the acronym “CREATE”) to provide a symbiotic approach to learning between an “innovative education facility” and “one of the largest private aviation operators in the world”. Purdue’s education programs will feed recruits into Flexjet’s operations, granting students actual real-world experiences with the structure and guidance of active coursework.

Apprenticeship programs and continuing educational opportunities will allow candidates new and old to get what they need from the AMT training system. Those who apply, pass the aptitude testing, and fit with the company culture can go from zero experience to fully licensed AMT’s in just over 2 years. Airframe & Powerplant or advanced avionics training can be had, too. Perhaps best of all for the average kid, apprentices earn full-time wages while training, and nab a job at Flexjet when their training is finished.

“The support from Purdue will further enhance our ongoing efforts to invest in the more than 1,300 people employed in Flexjet’s Global Maintenance and Product Support division,” said Flexjet Senior Executive for Global Maintenance and Product Support, Jay Heublein. “This partnership will radically change the world of technician education which will in turn provide our team members with an incredible level of professional fulfillment while also providing Flexjet with an enormous competitive advantage as we look to continue expanding our overall support infrastructure.”

“There are three distinguishing features of AeroSphere,” Manoj Patankar, director of CREATE at Purdue University, said. “It is built on the new Part 147 requirements, it matches the best of on-the-job training and online learning, and it is competency-based.” Mike Suckow, associate director of CREATE, also noted: “This ‘lab-to-life’ experience ensures students can immediately apply what they have learned. Reciprocally, it also brings life back into labs, to ensure that the academic side stays current and relevant. This constant feedback loop ensures a vibrant, dynamic learning environment.”
Despite the seeming ubiquity of Purdue University throughout the aviation industry lately, the school is not exclusively devoted to the industry. The school sports accreditation from a number of bodies throughout its programs, from the American Psych Association to the Society of American Foresters.

FMI: www.flexjet.com