Bombardier’s FastTrack programme, an accelerated training pathway designed to help aircraft maintenance technicians obtain their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, is being expanded to Hartford, Connecticut.
Launched in collaboration with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech), the programme is being expanded in coordination with CT Aero Tech, part of the Connecticut Technical Education and Career System (CTECS). Bombardier also plans to replicate the programme in other service locations across the United States.
Through FastTrack, eligible candidates with a minimum of 18 months of hands-on industry experience in either Airframe or Powerplant disciplines – or 30 months of combined experience – can pursue FAA certification. Participants will complete a two to four-week accelerated classroom refresher focused on preparing for the FAA written examinations in General, Airframe and Powerplant subjects. This will be followed by an additional two weeks of hands-on instruction to prepare participants for their practical evaluation.
“The FastTrack program reflects Bombardier’s continued investment in building a highly skilled maintenance workforce to support our growing service operations,” says Paul J. Thompson, vice president, service centres. “This initiative not only supports experienced professionals who want to advance their careers but also helps strengthen our capacity to deliver exceptional OEM maintenance services to our customers around the world.”
The programme is the result of a collaboration between Bombardier and CTECS’ CT Aero Tech, alongside state collaborator AdvanceCT.
“Bombardier’s decision to bring its FastTrack program to Hartford is a strong vote of confidence in Connecticut’s aerospace workforce and training ecosystem,” says John Bourdeaux, president and CEO of AdvanceCT. “By partnering with CT Aero Tech to expand pathways to FAA certification, this initiative will help more residents access high-quality aviation careers while ensuring Bombardier can continue to access the skilled talent they need to grow and compete.”
“CTECS is very pleased to support Bombardier in launching the FastTrack program at CT Aero Tech,” says CTECS executive director Dr Alice Pritchard. “This partnership allows CTECS to maximize the use of our state facilities, engage expert instructors in providing skills training, and create accelerated pathways into high-demand careers with Connecticut companies. Together, we’re preparing and connecting skilled talent to the aviation industry’s growing workforce needs.”
“The FastTrack program represents a forward-thinking approach to workforce development in aviation,” says James Hall, vice president, aviation and workforce development at WSU Tech. “By combining real-world experience with targeted, accelerated training, it creates a scalable solution to one of the industry’s biggest challenges. We’re proud of the role WSU Tech played in developing this program with Bombardier and look forward to its continued impact across the country.”
The FastTrack programme is part of Bombardier’s wider effort to expand training and career development pathways across its aftermarket network, supporting the company’s growing service capabilities and facilities worldwide.
Image: Bombardier
