Inaugural Class Pioneers Workforce Development Program

The West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA) was established in January 2024 in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) and just graduated its first class of airframe technicians, who are now testing for their FAA Airframe License.

The class of 23 celebrated their accomplishment in a ceremony at the Alton, Illinois campus with their families, fellow employees, community members, and industry leaders. West Star has already welcomed the next class of 25 apprentices into the program who will graduate in spring 2025.

The graduation represents a momentous achievement for the innovative approach West Star took to ensuring its own stable workforce even as the industry faces a shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians. Through this program the company has firmed up its leadership as an aviation employer by offering the only aviation program of its kind in an accelerated and unique learning experience.

The way it works is that participants are carefully screened, interviewed, and hired into full-time paid positions. During their first 7.5 months of employment they must complete a customized FAA Part 147 Airframe Maintenance curriculum in the dedicated West Star classroom and hanga. This differs from all other traditional programs that require students to pay for their education and usually need part- or full-time jobs outside the classroom for living expenses. Here, they are paid employees while receiving the knowledge and skills essential for a career as aircraft maintenance technicians. Graduates are very well prepared with hands-on experience working with West Star’s aircraft, systems, manuals, and procedures.

David Magg was the first student to test for and pass his Airframe License. He said, “We’ve learned a massive amount about how aircraft work, how to repair them, and how to perform maintenance. The knowledge we’re gaining is very applicable to our work.”

Katie Johnson, Chief People Officer at West Star Aviation, explained West Star’s approach this way: “We’re proud to offer unique opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and launch successful careers in aviation. WSAA is a testament to our commitment to investing in our people and ensuring the continued excellence of our workforce.”

FMI: www.weststaraviation.com/