West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA) celebrated its new AMT apprenticeship programme and the inaugural class of selected technicians with an open house at its facility in East Alton, Illinois.
The new academy provides an in-house programme for aspiring technicians, with a full-time, paid apprenticeship in a comprehensive 7.5-month programme. Along with classroom and hands-on training, the apprentices will receive mentoring and shadowing opportunities to further bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.
The goal of WSAA is to produce a highly skilled and work-ready pool of FAA-licensed aircraft maintenance technicians while removing the barriers associated with gaining employment along with fulfilling the educational and licensing requirements provided by this accelerated programme.
West Star Aviation thanked the local community and companies that supported this programme, specifically SWIC, village of Bethalto and the state of Illinois, along with dignitaries who attended the open house and staff for working diligently to build and launch the programme.
West Star Aviation specialises in the repair and maintenance of airframes, engines and APUs, avionics installations and repair, major modifications, interior refurbishment, exterior paint, accessory services and parts. The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at two of its facilities, as well as AOG/MRT services worldwide.
