$ 2.6 million to expand aircraft mechanic training at Rockford
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ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) – The State of Illinois is funding Chicago Rockford International Airport to attract more people to aviation careers.
Governor JB Pritzker joined the AAR Corporation, United Airlines, local officials and workforce partners to announce a $ 2.6 million investment in workforce development training for aircraft mechanics in demand. Officials say shortages are hitting the industry more than ever.
A recent report from Boeing estimates that more than 600,000 maintenance technicians will be needed to meet the aviation repair and operation needs of airlines and aviation-related companies globally in the years to come. future.
John Holmes, President and CEO of AAR, said: “The skills shortage still exists and is in fact even more acute than it was before the pandemic.” This was made possible thanks in part to a newly signed agreement between AAR and United Airlines. It’s a win-win for both, especially when up to 250 new aircraft mechanic jobs are created with this funding.
Steven Porterfield is a maintenance supervisor for AAR and says this money will be great for expanding his already stable partnership with Rock Valley College and its Aviation Career Education Center. Porterfield says: “I think it’s a very good opportunity. I am especially excited for Rock Valley College and the students who will be coming. I think it’s a good opportunity for Rockford and the region in general.
The AAR currently has 15 apprentices in training and will increase to 75 with funding. United Airlines’ Tom Doxey says this is timely, especially because the airline has stockpiled planes at RFD throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Doxey says, “We have an incredible number of planes going through this type of maintenance and it’s a difficult thing to go from zero to where we are today, which is so many of our had as we can. “
The funding will also be used to help AAR hire more than 15 new on-the-job training instructors and invest in training and capital improvement at the MRO’s maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities. Rockford Airport.
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