West Star Aviation Academy announces second apprentice cohort approval

West Star Aviation recently announced the approval of the next 25 apprentices selected for their new West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA) at their East Alton, Ill. (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, which has continuously been a challenge for 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,” said Allen McReynolds, COO.

The first cohort of 25 apprentices are 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, the first cohort of graduates will begin working at West Star within the Falcon, Bombardier and Gulfstream program(s).

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 people can find out more details at www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy.

As an industry-leading Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) provider, West Star is proud to have been voted the #1 Preferred MRO for the ninth time from 2014-2021 and 2023 in Professional Pilot Magazine’s annual PRASE Survey. West Star Aviation specializes in the repair and maintenance of airframes, engines and APUs, avionics installations and repair, major modifications, interior refurbishment, exterior paint, accessory services and parts.

In addition to its primary facilities in East Alton, Ill., Grand Junction, Colo., Chattanooga, Tenn., Perryville, Mo., Statesville, N.C., and Millville, N.J., West Star Aviation also maintains satellite facilities at Chicago Executive Airport in Chicago, Centennial Airport in Denver, Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport in Houston, Texas, Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport in Minneapolis, Minn., Palm Beach International Airport in West Palm Beach, Fla., and Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas.

The company also provides complete FBO services for transient aircraft at its East Alton and Grand Junction facilities, as well as AOG/MRT services worldwide. West Star Aviation is an industry leader in technical experience and expertise while providing world-class customer services in all the organization’s divisions. For more information visit www.weststaraviation.com or call 800-922-2421.