AAR Receives $2.6 Million State Workforce Grant | Aviation International News

Maintenance and Modifications

AAR Receives $2.6 Million State Workforce Grant

An Illinois $2.6 million grant awarded to AAR is helping to build the MRO's pipeline of mechanics.

Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (center) at AAR MRO in Rockford, Illinois (Photo: AAR) — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker (center) celebrated a $2.6 million workforce grant to increase the mechanic pipeline at AAR's MRO in Rockford. (Photo: AAR)

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

February 1, 2023

The state of Illinois has awarded a $2.6 million grant to support workforce training, pipeline development, and apprenticeships at AAR’s MRO at Rockford International Airport. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker announced the investment during an event at the MRO last week that also involved local officials, leaders from Rock Valley College, and AAR executives, along with those of its partners.

This latest award builds on recent state grants that AAR said have helped increase the number of its mechanics in Rockford from 85 in 2019 to 350 this year. Cumulatively, the state will have invested $5.2 million in the company’s mechanic pipeline in fiscal years 2022 and 2023. Investment has supported apprenticeships, advanced training, the hiring of training personnel, and partnerships with Rock Valley College and high schools throughout northern Illinois.

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