Bombardier’s newest apprenticeship program, in cooperation with WSU Tech, will teach future airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians.
Bombardier announced partnership with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) to develop an apprenticeship program to teach future airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics. During the two-year paid apprenticeship program, students will get hands-on training at Bombardier Group’s Wichita facility as well as classroom teaching at WSU Tech. They will be able to learn from expert instructors and aviation maintenance leaders while also gaining vital knowledge about Bombardier’s world-class line of business jets.
Students who successfully complete this state-registered A&P apprenticeship program—the first of its kind in Kansas—will get on-the-job training and their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) A&P certification. Their role at Bombardier will change from apprentice to full-time A&P technician, allowing the company to hire more technicians and provide OEM maintenance services more quickly.
Paul Sislian, Executive Vice-President, Aftermarket Services & Bombardier Strategy, Bombardier said, “We are pleased to deepen our roots in Wichita and the U.S. through the launch of this foundational program in collaboration with WSU Tech, a leader in aviation mechanic training in Wichita. The start of this apprenticeship program highlights Bombardier Group’s ongoing commitment to not only expanding its footprint in Wichita, but to training, hiring and retaining qualified professionals, which will further increase our ability to provide exceptional customer service to our clients.”
This is Kansas’s first A&P technician apprenticeship programme officially registered with the state. Students will conduct in-class coursework at WSU Tech and practical training at Bombardier Group’s Wichita facility across the two-year programme.
With the launch of this programme, the Bombardier Group has demonstrated its commitment to growing its aftermarket services and growing its footprint in Wichita by employing and training competent personnel.
Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech and VP of Workforce Development at WSU, said, “WSU Tech is excited to join with Bombardier to provide our students with an extraordinary learning opportunity at their state-of-the-art facility in Wichita. This collaboration demonstrates the power of uniting education, government, business, and industry, resulting in success. We are profoundly grateful for the fiscal support from the State of Kansas, which played a crucial role in making this opportunity a reality. Through such dynamic alliances, we can offer our students impactful, real-world experiences, significantly enhancing our skilled workforce and reinforcing our strong commitment to applied learning.”
In recent years, Bombardier has increased the size of its global network of service centres and, as a result, its global aftermarket footprint has grown by about a million square feet. By investing in the education and employment of highly qualified experts, Bombardier further demonstrates its dedication to expanding its aerospace pipeline.
Also Read- Embraer is the new member of United Airlines Ventures Sustainable Flight Fund
In addition to its well-known and expanding service centre, Bombardier is well-represented in the world’s aviation capital thanks to Bombardier Defence and the renowned Bombardier Flight Test Centre, which is currently testing the Global 8000, the fastest and furthest-flying business jet in the world, as part of an ongoing certification campaign in advance of the aircraft’s anticipated 2025 entry into service.
Question- What is the purpose of Bombardier’s apprenticeship program?
Answer- To teach future airframe and powerplant (A&P) technicians.
Question- Who is Bombardier partnering with for the apprenticeship program?
Answer- Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech).
Question- What certification will students receive upon completing the apprenticeship program?
Answer- Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) A&P certification.
Note– MRO Business Today is the Principal Media Partner of the 5th MRO SOUTH ASIA SUMMIT 2024 co-located with the MRO XPO INDIA & AIRCRAFT INTERIORS INDIA 2024 to be held on 27,28 & 29 February 2024 at the Le Méridien New Delhi, India.
