East Alton, IL – April 17th, 2025 –West Star Aviation is excited to announce the graduation of its second cohort from the West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA), equipping 22 aspiring Aircraft Maintenance Technicians (AMT) with the skills necessary to thrive in the aviation industry. This event marks another milestone in our dedicated efforts to tackle the ongoing technician shortage and enrich the workforce landscape.

Launched in collaboration with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) in 2023, WSAA stands as a benchmark for innovative aviation education. With a unique blend of comprehensive classroom instruction and hands-on training, apprentices undergo 7.5 months of program training, allowing for a faster transition into fully qualified roles without the financial burdens often associated with traditional education models.

Katie Johnson, Chief People Officer, shared her perspective on this significant achievement: “We are thrilled to celebrate the graduation of our second WSAA cohort. This program not only empowers individuals to kickstart their careers in aviation but also ensures that we have a strong pipeline of skilled technicians ready to meet the demands of our industry. By investing in our workforce through innovative training, we are building a brighter future for both West Star Aviation and the aviation community as a whole.”

Brian Bauwens, Vice President / General Manager of the East Alton Location, added, “When we recognized the workforce shortage in aviation, we knew we needed a plan to tackle it. Initiatives like WSAA allow us to do more than just fill technician vacancies; we’re nurturing talent that will drive the industry forward. Bringing these skilled individuals into the West Star workforce is incredible. These individuals emerge from our program energized, enthusiastic, and fully prepared to contribute to our team.”

The success of WSAA is a testament to the collaborative efforts of community partners and educational institutions. Graduates will begin their careers working alongside experienced technicians, benefiting from additional training opportunities and real-world experience in various aircraft maintenance environments.

As we look to the future, West Star Aviation is committed to continuing the recruitment and selection of dedicated individuals for upcoming WSAA cohorts. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit www.weststaraviation.com/wsaa-academy to learn how to start their journey in aviation.

About West Star Aviation
With more than 78 years of industry experience, West Star Aviation stands as a leading independent Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) provider. Employing over 3,000 professionals, West Star offers comprehensive services from our strategically located full-service facilities in East Alton, IL; Grand Junction, CO; Chattanooga, TN; Millville, NJ; Perryville, MO; and Statesville, NC, as well as satellite locations in Denver, Houston, Minneapolis, and Chicago. The company’s extensive capabilities encompass maintenance, paint, interior, and avionics services supported by the largest Aircraft On Ground (AOG) network in the country, ensuring prompt and reliable mobile repair services nationwide.