Constant Aviation has expanded its maintenance apprenticeship program as part of its multipronged strategy to recruit and retain aviation maintenance technicians. Through the improved, two-year program, apprentices will work alongside experienced technicians while participating in classroom and lab work and receiving an hourly wage.

The MRO provider also will cover the cost of training and testing for FAA airframe certification as well as provide apprentices with a base set of tools. As apprentices move through milestones of the program, they also will receive pay increases. The apprenticeship program is offered at Constant’s facilities at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in Ohio and Orlando Sanford International Airport in Florida.

“With the private aviation industry experiencing record growth, rising demand for technical work on aircraft has squeezed MRO staffing industrywide,” said Constant CEO David Davies. “We are meeting the demand through initiatives including an expanded maintenance apprenticeship program that gives prospective technicians the experience and skills they need for careers in aviation through on-the-job training and classroom and online education.”