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Federal Apprenticeship Event for National Apprenticeship Week

West Star Aviation is pleased to announce their partnership with Madison County Career and Technical Education Office, along with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) for a Federal Apprenticeship Event for National Apprenticeship Week at their East Alton, IL (ALN) facility on November 14 and 15, 2019. This special event will allow students to inquire about aviation maintenance careers and explore the local opportunities available with the new AMT Apprenticeship Program, in conjunction with the 2-year Aviation Maintenance Technology program at SWIC.

The event will include a lunch, facility tour, presentation and commentary from current West Star employees working as Apprentices while attending SWIC, as well as management, plus college life details from SWIC’s enrollment specialist, typical daily routine, learning experiences, required supplies and cost information.

“We are excited to be able to share this real-life experience with students in the area. It allows them to explore the true working environment where they can complete their degrees and graduate with a secure job in the local area,” said Katie Johnson, Vice President of Human Resources. “We are always looking for ways to expand our hiring programs while exposing potential graduates to the corporate aviation industry, thus gaining the most experienced technicians and offering them an extended career with West Star,” Johnson continued.

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Mark White

RSM, California

Dave Godo

RSM, Ohio Valley

Mark Daniels
Tim Cane
Robbie Johnson

RSM, Mid Atlantic

Santiago Carol

RSM, Latin America

Steve Fleeman

RSM, Landing Gear

Contact Us

WSAA will be piloted at the East Alton, IL facility with the first round of apprentices anticipated to start in January 2024. For more information on West Star Aviation employment or WSAA apprentice selection criteria, please visit www.weststaraviation.com/careers or contact Katie Johnson (katiejohnson@wsa.aero) or Dave Lagermann (dlagermann@wsa.aero).

Application & Selection Process

Before applying, please be aware of the standards of conduct for employment with West Star along with the strict requirements below while attending WSAA.

  • Working in Aviation requires a commit to being drug-free.  Pre-employment drug testing along with random and reasonable suspicion testing is required for all companies employing people working in safety sensitive positions. The position you are considering applying for is safety sensitive.  If hired, you must pass a DOT drug test to start working, if you fail the job offer is rescinded.  If you pass, you must remain drug-free during employment, failing a random or reasonable suspicion test may result in termination of employment.  Please note: marijuana is legal in certain states however the FAA follows Federal law where marijuana is illegal.  This means testing positive for marijuana, or any other illegal drug, will prevent you from working in Aviation. 
  • The first 7.5 months will follow a strict schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm (breaks and meal periods provided). 
  • The expectation is to arrive inside the learning center and clocked in at 7:00am.
  • While attending WSAA, no more than 4 hours a week can be missed.  Extenuating medical circumstances will be given full consideration with supporting documentation.
  • WSAA follows an FAA approved curriculum which has certain requirements including attendance. 
  • Testing for the FAA license at the conclusion of WSAA is required, along with passing.  Two opportunities to test will be provided, if needed.  Employment may terminate if the FAA license is not obtained.
  • Candidates will be contacted to complete pre-screening assessments and questionnaires. 
  • Qualified candidates will be contacted in late November and scheduled for a tour and interview with Hiring Managers at West Star Aviation in East Alton, IL.
  • To be qualified, candidates must pass the pre-screening process along with submitting a negative DOT drug test result.
  • Finalists will be selected after onsite interviews. Job offers will be extended in mid-December with a start date of January 9, 2024.
  • Pay while learning in the Academy will be $20 per hour.  Upon successfully graduating and obtaining your FAA license, pay will increase to $27 per hour.