Elliott Aviation has announced the first in the nation Airframe Mechanic Registered Apprenticeship Program. Elliott Aviation is partnering with the Davenport Central High School’s Iowa Jobs for America’s Graduates (iJAG) Program. Students in this registered apprenticeship will be earning while they learn about aircraft maintenance in a hands-on, real-world environment with Elliott Aviation’s certified employees.
“The aviation industry has so many high-paying, skilled and technical career opportunities that the future workforce isn’t currently getting enough exposure to,” said Adrienne Wheeler, Vice President of Human Resources at Elliott Aviation. “It just makes sense that our industry begins to take advantage of the Iowa Department of Labor programs to support a future pipeline of talent.”
Elliott Aviation and DCSD worked with the Iowa Department of Labor and the FAA to make this apprenticeship possible. Students will learn and practice inspecting airplanes for defects, fabricating parts, and assessing electronics, all under the supervision of their mentor.
The first round of apprenticeships is expected to start Summer 2022 with teachers and staff identifying two to three students who would be good fits for the program and inviting them to participate. Students can also complete three courses for high school credit to complement their work in the field.
“We are incredibly excited for the opportunity to partner with local high schools to create a talent pool for our industry through the Iowa Department of Labor Registered Apprentice Program,” Elliott Aviation CEO Greg Sahr said. “Service, avionics, interior and paint technicians are all roles that Elliott is filling in 2022 and finding experienced talent is a challenge. In order for our industry and Elliott to sustain our current demand and future growth, we need strategic programs and partnerships in our communities to grow the future workforce and the DOL Apprentice Program is the perfect way to do that.”
Wheeler said expanding the Avionics CTE Program is a future goal, with intentions to add service, interior and paint technician apprentices.
The following photos were taken during a Davenport Community School District visit to Elliot Aviation in Davenport, IA.
