Avionics News August 2022 - 37

DEMAND FOR AVIATION TECHNICIANS IS HIGH
WITH NO END IN SIGHT.
Amber Kasting, manager of human resources for the
Midwest region of West Star Aviation, sees an " extreme and
critical need " for skilled technicians.
West Star took steps to evolve recruiting efforts prior to
the pandemic, which has enabled hiring inexperienced and
experienced technicians to continue despite the workforce
shortage. After hiring for attitude and training for expertise over
the past decade with great success, West Star's apprenticeship
program was formally recognized by the state of Illinois. Ever
since, inexperienced technicians are still paid for on-the-job
training, while qualified technicians now receive financial
assistance to cover tuition costs for their aviation maintenance
program at the local trade school.
Kasting said the majority of West Star apprentices stay with
the company, clear evidence of the company's focus on future
workforce readiness along with a culture of developing new
talent and promoting through the ranks. To further expand these
opportunities, Kasting has been engaging with various high
schools over the past few years to include class presentations,
attending career fairs and hosting high school students for
an on-site tour of the East Alton, Illinois, facility. The impact
has been successful at removing barriers to starting a career
in aviation by increasing the pipeline of high school-to-work
applicants while helping bolster trade school enrollment into
aviation maintenance programs.
In addition to recruiting externally, West Star helps existing
employees change careers through the apprenticeship program.
Many times, employees start work in line services, interior
or paint and then move into an apprenticeship role in aircraft
maintenance or avionics. Success from this program has
produced cross-functional employees who obtain approval
to test for their A&P license after two years. Others have
progressed even further into avionics install lead and project
manager.
More recently, West Star became an authorized SkillBridge
organization, which connects well-trained active duty military
members with employers who desire to invest in their readiness
for a civilian career before they officially separate from the
military. West Star provides financial assistance to military
members hired after transitioning out of the military. This
pipeline of candidates has proven to be exceptionally qualified,
and seamlessly transitioning into a career with West Star,
several hold an A&P license prior to leaving the military.
Kasting suggested other organizations reach out to their local
communities by organizing tours, talking at local schools, and
even helping high schools and technical schools set up aviation
colleges.
" We need to reach out in our own communities, " Kasting
said. " This has to be a broader effort, being proactive for future
years. You never know who your efforts will touch in the
future. "
Katie Johnson, West Star vice president of human resources,
said, " While simultaneously seeking creative means to hire
new employees, companies need to evolve and modernize the
workplace so it's more appealing to the workforce expectations
of today and the future. "
West Star also assigns experienced technicians as mentors
to inexperienced technicians and new college grads. Johnson
considers mentors a vital lifeline to any person entering the
workforce for the first time or starting a new job.
While industry looks to apprenticeships, bonuses and
partnerships, the FAA is awarding grants to help address the
projected shortage of aviation workers. The Aviation Workforce
Development Grant Program, part of the FAA Reauthorization
Act of 2018, allows the FAA to grant up to $5 million annually.
In January, the FAA announced grant awards to high
schools, community colleges and universities, the International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, and state agencies.
The grants can be used to establish new educational
programs; provide scholarships or apprenticeships for
individuals pursuing employment in the aviation maintenance
industry; conduct outreach about careers in the aviation
maintenance industry to primary, secondary, and post-secondary
school students; and support educational opportunities related to
aviation maintenance in economically disadvantaged areas.
The grant program runs through the end of fiscal year 2023. q
avionics news * august 2022 37
Avionics News August 2022

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