West Star Aviation Academy Announces Second Cohort of New Apprentices

West Star Aviation announces the approval of its next 25 apprentices selected for the new West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA) at its East Alton, IL (ALN), facility. WSAA was opened earlier this year in collaboration with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) as an initiative that aims to address the ongoing shortage of aircraft maintenance technicians in the industry.

WSAA is located onsite and consists of a dedicated classroom along with a learning hangar. Apprentices have hands-on training, working with standard tools and other components, including a Falcon aircraft, while simultaneously using WSAA-branded versions of Corridor and other operational forms and procedures to better connect what they are learning with on-the-job experiences. 

“Since its inception, WSAA has received a tremendous amount of recognition, reaffirming West Star’s position as a leader in the industry by offering this program and aiding in the industry’s work shortage,” says Allen McReynolds, COO.

The first cohort of 25 apprentices is doing exceptionally well and will be graduating in August. These apprentices will start testing while completing four weeks of specific job training. By mid-September, they will begin working at West Star within the Falcon, Bombardier and Gulfstream programs. The second cohort will begin immediately after the graduation of the first cohort in late August.

Recruiting for apprentices will continue for each upcoming session. The academy is looking for mechanically inclined people with the right attitude to gain the skills, education and license required to become an aircraft maintenance technician. Interested parties can find more details at www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy.