Aircraft Maintenance Technology

AUG-SEP 2016

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GENER AL AVIATION TECHNOLOGY Visit us at MRO Europe 2016 October 18th-20th, 2016 RAI Amsterdam Amsterdam, Netherlands mechanics? I believe the answer is, "Yes." Another industry that does have a great apprenticeship program is the shipyard industry like the one located in Newport News, VA, called The Apprentice School. This school provides the much needed supply of qualified individuals to main- tain and build our military fleet of ships. Huntington Ingalls Industries, the mili- tary contractor that owns Newport News Shipbuilding, has a plan for its upcoming needed supply of qualified and skilled workforce. Does the aviation industry have a plan or is there even a concern a plan is needed? You might be saying right now "Well of course this shipyard has an apprentice program. It is probably subsidized by the government. Airline companies would have the total cost rest on their shoulders which is not feasible at this time, or is it?" I would not disagree with part of that statement. The shipyard is a national defense situation. But I ask, "When is it going to be possible to start an appren- tice program for aircraft mechanics? When all the Baby Boomers retire?" All these years we have heard there is going to be a shortage of skilled workers in aviation. Is there going to be one? GOVERNMENT SUPPORT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE According to an article written by Angela Hanks and Ethan Gurwitz dated Feb. 9, 2016 "How States Are Expanding Apprenticeships," President Obama has dedicated $175 million to an American Apprenticeship grant initiative that will help 46 public-private partnerships cre- ate more opportunities for workers and employers to participate in apprentice- ships. This is a good first step because skilled workers are needed in many industries. According to the Center for American Progress report, "Training for Success," the United States Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship admin- isters the registered apprenticeship sys- tem and has regional and local offices in each state. Funds are directed to the states to invest in an apprenticeship program which in turn would give some credence for employer participation. Some states are doing very well in helping their work- force get into an apprenticeship program which pays dividends back helping their workforce become skilled and valuable to society. Minnesota has recently adopted a road map for their apprenticeship pro- gram patterned after the German dual vocational training system. The more I research and learn about apprenticeship programs I am brought back again and again to the German system. Numerous countries and U.S. states are attempting to mimic the German success and adapt it to their local needs. MECHANIC ROCCO Minitch (left), works with apprentice, Juan Manrique (right), on the installation of one of the de Havilland Dragon Rapide's flaps. JAMES CLARY, AIM

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