Embry-Riddle brings veterans into aviation workforce

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has launched anAviation Maintenance SkillBridge course at the Embry-Riddle Worldwide campus atthe Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) New River, near Camp LeJeune inJacksonville, North Carolina.

The Aviation Maintenance SkillBridge course is an intensivenine-week program that trains transitioning military, veterans and eligiblemilitary spouses in aviation maintenance and connects them to aerospaceindustry partners who can offer them lucrative and exciting careers. Theprogram includes six courses, providing broad knowledge of general aeronautics,airframe systems and power plant systems. All of the courses can be countedtowards an Embry-Riddle associate or bachelor’s degree in aviation maintenanceor aeronautics.

Dignitaries who attended the ribbon-cutting ceremonyincluded U.S. Marine Corps Colonel Curtis Ebitz, MCAS New River commander;Justin Blum, senior human resources manager for Pratt & Whitney’s West PalmBeach location; Ryan D. Goertzen, vice president of aviation maintenanceworkforce development at AAR; and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical UniversityWorldwide Chancellor Dr. John R. Watret.

“This inaugural cohort of SkillBridge participants is thefirst of many planned at locations throughout the country,” Watret said, addingthat Embry-Riddle has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the U.S.Department of Defense and is looking to expand the program to five to sevenadditional sites. “We look forward to establishing a secure path for formerservice members to career success in a booming industry.”

The participants in the first group are guaranteed aninterview with industry partners Pratt & Whitney or AAR Corp. Participantswill also get career coaching and help with writing resumes and will experienceactivities designed to help prepare them for new careers with the industrypartners.

Chris Curtin, Pratt & Whitney executive director oftalent, inclusion & engagement, said his company has a long history ofhiring veterans and their family members.

“The SkillBridge program gives us another great opportunityto continue hiring talented service members into our organization,” Curtinsaid.

Brian Sartain, AAR senior vice president of repair andengineering services, also explained his company's eagerness to hire theSkillBridge participants.

“The unparalleledexperience and knowledge base veterans gain in the military lay a strongfoundation in pursuing aviation certification," said Sartain."Veterans are equipped with the technical skills and focus we look for incandidates, and that is why AAR is a top military-friendly employer. AAR willbe looking to hire the veterans who graduate from the SkillBridge Program.”

Participants in the program are not required to have anaviation background. Program organizers said diesel and truck mechanics, heavyequipment operators, gas turbine operators and others with demonstratedmechanical aptitude can qualify.

"Even if they've never touched an airplane, we can takethem from zero to having that foundational knowledge to be successful when theyenter the industry," said Dr. Kenneth Witcher, dean of the Embry-RiddleWorldwide College of Aeronautics. "The industry needs this program,Embry-Riddle is happy to provide the knowledge, and the transitioning servicemembers really benefit."