West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA), established in January 2024 by West Star Aviation in partnership with Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC), proudly celebrated the graduation of its inaugural class in the presence of employees, families, community members, and industry leaders. These 23 graduates are now in the process of testing for their FAA Airframe License. At the same time, West Star welcomed 25 new apprentices into WSAA, with their graduation anticipated in spring 2025. This milestone marks a significant achievement in West Star Aviation's innovative approach to addressing the Aircraft Maintenance Technician shortage, solidifying the company’s position as the leading aviation employer offering a unique and accelerated learning experience.
WSAA: First to Market and Leading the Way
WSAA stands out as the only aviation program of its kind, where individuals are carefully screened, interviewed, and hired into a full-time, paid position. Participants are required to complete a customized Part 147 Airframe maintenance curriculum in a dedicated West Star classroom and learning hangar during their first 7.5 months of employment. Unlike other programs that demand balancing full-time work with night classes or learning on the job, WSAA enables apprentices to fully focus on developing the skills and knowledge essential for a successful aviation career. As a result, graduates are exceptionally prepared to join operations with hands-on experience working with West Star’s aircraft, systems, manuals, and procedures.
David Magg, the first student to test for and pass his Airframe License, remarked, “We’ve learned a massive amount about how aircraft work, how to repair them, and how to perform maintenance. The knowledge we’re gaining is very applicable to our work.”
“The academy has been great, from the learning aspect to working in the hangar and the camaraderie of the classroom. All in all, the whole experience has been pretty amazing,” said Kyle Kovorick, another of WSAA’s first graduates.
A Collaborative Effort
WSAA's success is a result of strong partnerships with community organizations and educational institutions. Brad Sparks, Dean of the Aviation Program at SWIC, played a crucial role in the academy’s development. “WSAA has set a new standard for aviation education, combining academic excellence with practical, hands-on experience. It’s been an honor to be part of such an impactful program.”
Katie Johnson, Chief People Officer at West Star Aviation, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in growing talent: “We’re proud to offer unique opportunities for individuals to develop their skills and launch successful careers in aviation. WSAA is a testament to our commitment to investing in our people and ensuring the continued excellence of our workforce.”
Tony Fuhrmann, Director of the Madison County Workforce Innovation Board, also highlighted the community's role in WSAA’s success: “By securing support through grants, recruiting efforts, and advertising, we were able to provide West Star with some of the resources they needed to ensure WSAA was a success.”
A Look Toward the Future
Building on the success of its first cohort, WSAA has already launched its second group of apprentices and is strategically planning future expansions to continue its groundbreaking work in aviation education. These exciting developments will be announced in due course, reflecting West Star Aviation’s ongoing commitment to leading the industry in workforce development.
“This is an extremely good opportunity for people interested in aviation. It’s particularly great for younger individuals who can start their careers sooner,” David Magg added, emphasizing the value of WSAA for the next generation of aviation professionals.
