The first class of airframe and powerplant apprentices at Flexjet have graduated and received their A&P certificates after completing 30 months of paid, on-the-job training from the fractional jet provider. The 10 graduates also received full-time offers of employment from the Cleveland, Ohio-based company.
“The successful completion of our program and subsequent award of their FAA-issued license positions them perfectly for a rewarding and financially lucrative career,” said Flexjet senior v-p of maintenance Jay Heublein. “In addition to their technical development, they are exposed early on to our culture of safety and professionalism that is difficult to teach in a traditional classroom environment.”
A&P apprentices at Flexjet must pass an aptitude test and go through an in-depth interview process. Those candidates selected for the program earn $50,000 a year during training. Once complete, apprentices who are offered full-time employment receive base compensation of $80,000 and benefits. Other perks of the apprenticeship program include a Snap-On toolbox and a starter set of tools valued at nearly $30,000, which the technician can keep after three years of employment.
Flexjet said it plans to hire at least 100 more A&Ps over the next 12 months.