Textron Aviation’s Maintenance and Paint Apprenticeship Programs Recognized by the Kansas Department of Commerce

Textron Aviation has announced that its Maintenance and Paint Apprenticeship programs have officially been recognized as state-registered apprenticeships through the Kansas Department of Commerce. The two-year programs support the company’s long-term strategic workforce plan and offer prospective and current employees opportunities to try new fields, learn new skills and stretch their abilities to build a lasting career.

“Textron Aviation has long been committed to building educational and community collaborations that benefit our employees, company, region and the State of Kansas, particularly in developing a skilled workforce that maintains our advantage in a competitive, global market,” said Maggie Topping, senior vice president, Human Resources and Communications. “These apprenticeships are another way we provide employees a solid foundation for success and ongoing support throughout their careers. Participants not only gain valuable education and training, but also receive a salary and benefits while they learn.”

As employees, program participants receive benefits and pay during on-the-job and classroom training. In a typical week, employees divide their time attending training at WSU Tech and working with assigned mentors at Textron Aviation production facilities. The company also pays for all program-related tuition and fees.

The programs are a collaboration between Textron Aviation, the State of Kansas, WSU Tech and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) to help address long-term production and workforce needs and reinforce Wichita’s status as a global aerospace hub.

The company continues to grow and enhance its collaborative earn and learn opportunities, including Airframe & Powerplant (A&P), Avionics, Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Machining and Tooling programs.

To learn more about Textron Aviation career opportunities, interested candidates can visit txtav.com/careers.

Kim Stevens

Kim Stevens is the publisher of State Aviation Journal, which he founded in 2009. A longtime commercial-rated pilot, he was introduced to state aviation in 1992 as Director of the Nebraska Department of Aeronautics, later serving as Deputy Division Director for the Arizona Department of Transportation's Aeronautics Division. From 2013 to 2018, he was Director of Communications and Operations for the National Association of State Aviation Officials (NASAO) in Washington, D.C. Relocating to North Carolina, Kim worked for the Raleigh-Durham International Airport for two years and now concentrates solely on the Journal. Prior to his aviation career, Kim spent a decade in the newspaper and magazine business.