DoL approves AEA Apprenticeship Program

As apprenticeship programs gain in acceptance, the Department of Labor (DoL) gave the practice a major boost when it approved the Aircraft Electronics Association’s (AEA) apprenticeship program which offers a competency-based occupational framework meeting industry standards.
 
Approved by the DoL Employment and Training Administration’s Office of Apprenticeship, the avionics technician apprenticeship program is a partnership with the Urban Institute and follows the FAA’s announcement a year ago formally recognizing the Aircraft Electronics Technology certification from ASTM’s National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technology as equivalent to formal training when showing eligibility for the issuance of a repairman certificate.
 
"The avionics technician apprenticeship program offers a new career pathway where individuals can simultaneously earn a competitive wage, gain knowledge with structured learning and on-the-job training, and achieve industry-recognized credentials," said Mike Adamson, AEA president and chief executive officer. "It is no secret that the avionics industry must address the challenges posed by a tightened labor market and competition from other industries. Developing a nationally registered apprenticeship program was the next logical step to help cultivate the next generation of avionics professionals. Now that the apprenticeship program has been approved by the Department of Labor, AEA member repair stations have another tool to grow their own and successfully recruit, train and retain high-quality technicians. It is another critical step in our industry's ongoing workforce development efforts."
 
For more on the DoL approval click here.  For guidance or companies and aspiring techs on the apprenticeship program click here.
 
A one-hour training session has been scheduled for March 26 during the 63rd annual AEA International Convention & Trade Show in Nashville, Tennessee.