We are looking for people who aspire to become licensed Aircraft Maintenance Technicians — people with strong mechanical aptitude and a self-starter attitude who can adapt to our standards of conduct while working as part of a team in a safety-oriented environment. Our purpose is to bring the spirit of individuality, creativity, and teamwork to business aviation. If the prospect of inspecting, troubleshooting, repairing, and solving intricate challenges excites you, we invite you to apply to West Star Aviation Academy!

We believe that empowering individuals to shape their desired career while providing the support they deserve will have a transformative impact on the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) pipeline. This empowerment attracts a more diverse and highly skilled workforce, fosters innovation, and secures the long-term health and growth of the aviation industry. This is the driving force behind the establishment of West Star Aviation Academy (WSAA).

WSAA serves as the dedicated in-house learning center for West Star’s innovative apprenticeship program. Aspiring technicians hired by West Star will embark on a journey as a full-time, paid apprentice at WSAA for a comprehensive 7.5-month program. During their time attending WSAA, these apprentices will receive in-depth training in airframe maintenance, honing their skills through hands-on training in collaboration with Southwestern Illinois College and Choose Aerospace. Mentorship and job shadowing opportunities will further bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world experience.

The ultimate goal of WSAA is to produce a highly skilled and work-ready pool of FAA licensed aircraft maintenance technicians while removing the barriers associated with gaining employment and fulfilling the educational and licensing requirements. In return, WSAA graduates will commit to continued employment with West Star to put their skills to work and unlock their career potential through future advancement.

Graduates of WSAA will not only become essential contributors to shaping our collective future but also gain access to a multitude of career opportunities within the No. 1 maintenance repair organization in the U.S. Our employees benefit from updated facilities, leading-edge equipment, extensive on-the-job training, structured airframe training, and emerging leadership development. We provide ample paid time off, opportunities to work overtime, competitive compensation, and benefits, including up to a 15% pay premium for second shift — effective on your first day at West Star! 

Don’t miss the opportunity to apply for one of the 25 apprenticeship positions available now and embark on a fulfilling journey with us!

Investing in OUR future, for YOU!

We are excited to welcome our inaugural group to West Star Aviation Academy! Join us in extending a warm welcome as they enter our remarkable aviation industry.

#WSAA #Aviation #BizJet #WestStarAviation #AviationCareers #AircraftTechnician #AircraftMechanic #BusinessAviation #AviationSchool

Application and Selection Process

Before applying, please be aware of the standards of conduct for employment with West Star, along with the strict requirements below while attending WSAA.

  • Working in Aviation requires a commit to being drug-free. Pre-employment drug testing along with random and reasonable suspicion is required to work in safety-sensitive DOT positions. If hired you must pass a DOT drug test to start in the Academy and throughout employment. Marijuana is legal in certain States however the FAA follows Federal law where marijuana is illegal.
  • The first 7.5 months will follow a strict schedule: Monday – Friday, 7 am – 3:30 pm (breaks and meal periods provided). The expectation is to arrive inside the Academy by 7:00 am.
  • While attending WSAA, you must not miss more than 4 hours per week. Extenuating medical circumstances will be given full consideration with supporting documentation.
  • Testing and achieving the FAA license at the conclusion of WSAA is required to remain employed.
  •  

Apply Online

include completing pre-screening assessments*

Qualified Candidates

will be scheduled an onsite interview in December

Finalists

will be selected and receive a contingent employment offer*

New Hires

start employment at the Academy in January 2024

Working at West Star Aviation

Our Purpose

To bring the spirit of INDIVIDUALITY, CREATIVITY, and TEAMWORK to business aviation. We accomplish this by connecting discerning customers with our team of trusted, experienced and quality-driven employees.

Our Values

Honesty
Trustworthy
Fair
Accountable
Respectful

Our Focus

Deliver aircraft, safely, squawk-free, and on-time. Grow our best-in-class employees. Expand our ability to serve our customers.

Standards of Conduct

Baseline for Employment
How to Advance
Growing your Career

Aircraft Maintenance Technician Career Path

Contact Us

WSAA will be piloted at the East Alton, IL facility with the first round of apprentices anticipated to start in January 2024. For more information on West Star Aviation employment or WSAA apprentice selection criteria, please visit www.weststaraviation.com/careers or contact Katie Johnson (katiejohnson@wsa.aero) or Dave Lagermann (dlagermann@wsa.aero).

Mark White

RSM, California

Dave Godo

RSM, Ohio Valley

Mark Daniels
Tim Cane
Robbie Johnson

RSM, Mid Atlantic

Santiago Carol

RSM, Latin America

Steve Fleeman

RSM, Landing Gear

Application & Selection Process

Before applying, please be aware of the standards of conduct for employment with West Star along with the strict requirements below while attending WSAA.

  • Working in Aviation requires a commit to being drug-free.  Pre-employment drug testing along with random and reasonable suspicion testing is required for all companies employing people working in safety sensitive positions. The position you are considering applying for is safety sensitive.  If hired, you must pass a DOT drug test to start working, if you fail the job offer is rescinded.  If you pass, you must remain drug-free during employment, failing a random or reasonable suspicion test may result in termination of employment.  Please note: marijuana is legal in certain states however the FAA follows Federal law where marijuana is illegal.  This means testing positive for marijuana, or any other illegal drug, will prevent you from working in Aviation. 
  • The first 7.5 months will follow a strict schedule: Monday – Friday 7:00am – 3:30pm (breaks and meal periods provided). 
  • The expectation is to arrive inside the learning center and clocked in at 7:00am.
  • While attending WSAA, no more than 4 hours a week can be missed.  Extenuating medical circumstances will be given full consideration with supporting documentation.
  • WSAA follows an FAA approved curriculum which has certain requirements including attendance. 
  • Testing for the FAA license at the conclusion of WSAA is required, along with passing.  Two opportunities to test will be provided, if needed.  Employment may terminate if the FAA license is not obtained.
  • Candidates will be contacted to complete pre-screening assessments and questionnaires. 
  • Qualified candidates will be contacted in late November and scheduled for a tour and interview with Hiring Managers at West Star Aviation in East Alton, IL.
  • To be qualified, candidates must pass the pre-screening process along with submitting a negative DOT drug test result.
  • Finalists will be selected after onsite interviews. Job offers will be extended in mid-December with a start date of January 9, 2024.
  • Pay while learning in the Academy will be $20 per hour.  Upon successfully graduating and obtaining your FAA license, pay will increase to $27 per hour.