West Star's Academy Graduates First Class | Aviation International News

Maintenance and Modifications

West Star's Academy Graduates First Class

West Star Aviation Academy has already inducted its second class

West Star Aviation Academy first graduating class — West Star Aviation Academy, graduating its first class of 23 students, is eyeing potential growth for the program as it already launched training for the next 25.

By Kerry Lynch • Editor, AIN monthly magazine

September 11, 2024

West Star Aviation is celebrating the graduation of its inaugural class of its academy established in January as the MRO looks to build the pipeline of its next generation of workers. Formed in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), West Star Aviation Academy (WSSA) graduated an initial class of 23 and has welcomed the next 25 students who will complete their coursework and hands-on training in second-quarter 2025.

The graduating class marks a key milestone in West Star’s innovative approach to developing its workforce, the company said. Under the program, prospective apprentices are screened, interviewed, and hired into a full-time paid position. The participants must complete a customized Part 147 airframe maintenance curriculum in a dedicated West Star classroom and hangar over 7.5 months. Under this approach, West Star said apprentices can fully focus on developing the necessary skills rather than having to balance work and training.

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