WSAA Apprentice

WSAA Apprentice – 1408

Full‑time paid apprenticeship at West Star Aviation with benefits from Day 1. The position blends classroom instruction at West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA) with hands‑on aircraft maintenance training. Apprentices cover the full 7.5‑month curriculum, attend WSAA in East Alton, Illinois (or nearby St. Louis area), and live locally during training. Upon completing the program and obtaining an FAA Airframe license, apprentices are promoted to a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Technician.

• Work full time while attending the Academy for the first 7.5 months.
• Learn aviation maintenance through formal classroom study and hands‑on experience with tools, technology, and aircraft.
• Complete FAA Airframe licensing examinations and certifications.
• Continue as a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Technician, performing maintenance on aircraft.

• High‑school graduate or equivalent.
• Former military with aviation maintenance experience but no FAA Airframe license.
• Individual with a desire to become a licensed Aircraft Maintenance Technician.
• Strong mechanical aptitude, respectful, team‑oriented, self‑starter, able to meet West Star’s standards of conduct and safety‑oriented environment.
• Committed to completing the full 7.5‑month curriculum at WSAA, obtaining the “license to learn,” and beginning a career with West Star.
• Sign a work commitment to complete WSAA and stay with West Star for 3 years after graduation, or be financially responsible for repaying education costs.
• Pass pre‑screening assessments and background checks, including a mechanical aptitude test.
• Highly qualified candidates have prior aviation maintenance experience but lack an FAA license.

• Attend and complete every scheduled work/class day (Mon‑Fri, 7:00am‑3:30pm).
• Do not miss more than four hours of work per week while in the Academy.
• Maintain reliable attendance during training and employment, scheduling absences in advance.
• After the Academy, complete FAA licensing tests and obtain the Airframe license.
• Perform all work in accordance with FAA guidelines, company policies, safety, regulatory and quality standards, aircraft manuals and operating procedures.
• Remain drug‑free; undergo random and reasonable suspicion testing. Marijuana is illegal under FAA law.

All employment with West Star Aviation is at‑will, including during Academy attendance. Employment is indefinite and may be terminated by either party without cause or notice.

West Star Aviation is dedicated to a diverse and inclusive environment and is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We offer reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. Contact HRo or 1‑800‑922‑2421 for accommodation requests.

Hourly rate ranges between $20 and $23, with possible shift differentials. Other compensation includes a semi‑annual discretionary bonus, 401(k) company match, and employer contributions to a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Benefits effective Day One for eligible employees:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage with HSA and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Life insurance, disability benefits, and supplemental benefits
• 401(k) plan with employee contributions and employer match
• Paid company holidays and weekly paid time off accruals
• Flexible work schedules: 5x8, 4x10, 3x12
• Weekly competitive pay
• Bonus opportunities based on company and site performance
• Internal mobility and career advancement opportunities

West Star Aviation has over 78 years of industry experience and over 3,000 professionals. We operate from strategic full‑service facilities in East Alton, IL;
Grand Junction, CO;
Chattanooga, TN;
Millville, NJ;
Perryville, MO; and Statesville, NC, with satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, and Chicago. We provide comprehensive maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services, supported by the largest Aircraft On‑Ground (AOG) network in the country.