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GENER AL AVIATION 28 AUGUST/SEPTEMBER 2016 AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE TECHNOLOGY or many years we have heard and read about the upcoming shortages for aircraft mechanics because the "Baby Boomer" generation is retiring. We have also heard that the new mechanic lacks some of the skills required to fill this void because they do not have all the experience and knowledge a seasoned mechanic has. So I ask, "What is being done to pass on these skills to the upcoming mechanics?" To answer that I would like to address what fellow future aircraft mechanics in other countries have a chance to do. Some countries are using a proven educational system that incorporates apprentice- ships with their airlines. APPRENTICE PROGRAMS USED IN AIRLINE INDUSTRY British Airways uses several "learn and work" apprentice programs for a wide variety of posi- tions: aircraft engineering, (aircraft mechanic) is one of them. This three-year program will lead an apprentice to many qualifications including an EASA Aircraft Maintenance Category A License. Lufthansa Technik is celebrating its 60-year anniversary of apprenticeships! Is there a U.S. airline that can say that? Taking a quick glance at Lufthansa's web page for its apprenticeship program, one will see a list of openings in differ- ent cities and countries in an assortment of fields including aircraft mechanics. Next, let's go "down under" to Qantas Airways. There you will find an apprenticeship program for avionics and aircraft mechanics which could lead the individual to become a licensed aircraft main- tenance engineer (LAME). Over in the Middle East, Emirates Airline and Group also has a great apprenticeship program. Emirates former executive vice chairman, Maurice Flanagan, has stated, "We achieve what we do LAWRENCE HAYWOOD (left), a Fighter Factory apprentice, installs a propeller with the help of mechanic Chris Maida (right). JAMES CLARY, AIM To fill the mechanic shortage, the U.S. should follow the lead of international airlines Luhansa Technik, Qantas Airlines, and Emirates and create an apprenticeship program to create tomorrow's workforce By Brad Groom