Bombardier has created an apprenticeship programme aimed at training future airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics with Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech). During the two year paid apprenticeship programme, students will complete hands-on instruction at Bombardier's Wichita site and in-class training at WSU Tech. They will have the opportunity to learn from experienced instructors and aviation maintenance leaders, as well as gain valuable knowledge on Bombardier's world-class portfolio of business jets.

Upon successful completion of this state-registered A&P apprenticeship programme, the first of its kind in the state of Kansas, students will have obtained their FAA A&P certification as well as on-the-job training. Their job classification will transition from apprentice to full-time A&P technician at Bombardier, expanding the company's technician roster and enabling the growing delivery of timelier OEM maintenance services.

"We are pleased to deepen our roots in Wichita and the US through the launch of this foundational programme in collaboration with WSU Tech, a leader in aviation mechanic training in Wichita," says Paul Sislian, executive vice president, aftermarket services and strategy, Bombardier. "The start of this apprenticeship programme highlights Bombardier Group's ongoing commitment to not only expanding its footprint in Wichita, but to training, hiring and retaining qualified professionals, which will further increase our ability to provide exceptional customer service to our clients."

"WSU Tech is excited to join with Bombardier to provide our students with an extraordinary learning opportunity at its facility in Wichita," adds Dr Sheree Utash, president of WSU Tech and VP of workforce development at WSU. "This collaboration demonstrates the power of uniting education, government, business and industry, resulting in success. We are profoundly grateful for the fiscal support from the State of Kansas, which played a crucial role in making this opportunity a reality. Through such dynamic alliances, we can offer our students impactful, real-world experiences, significantly enhancing our skilled workforce and reinforcing our strong commitment to applied learning."

Over the past few years, Bombardier has expanded its service centre network around the world and has since added close to one million sq ft of new service capacity to its worldwide aftermarket footprint. By training and hiring highly skilled technicians, Bombardier further showcases its commitment to developing its aerospace pipeline.

On top of its widely recognised and growing service centre, Bombardier also has a strong footprint in Wichita with Bombardier Defense and its Bombardier Flight Test Centre, which is currently putting the world's fastest and farthest flying business jet, the Global 8000 aircraft, through its paces as part of an ongoing certification campaign ahead of its expected entry into service in 2025.