Emery Air at Chicago/Rockford International Airport launched an aircraft maintenance apprenticeship program with the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship. The program will provide on-the-job training for workers interested in earning their FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic’s certificate.

Trainees will receive hands-on experience and earn certifications needed for careers as aviation mechanics and technicians. According to Emery Air (Booth 6907), this is the first such aviation apprenticeship program in the continental U.S.

“We are extremely pleased to be working with ApprenticeshipUSA and Rock Valley College [at Rockford airport] on this new and innovative program,” said Emery Air CEO Jim Zaros.

Meanwhile, Emery Air is celebrating its 55th year of Beechcraft support. Hartzog Aviation (now Emery Air) became a Beechcraft sales and service center in 1960. The company now provides service for the entire Beechcraft line, including Baron, Bonanza, King Air, Hawker, Premier and Beech 1900. Emery is also certified to work on Embraer 135s, 145s and 170s and the Bombardier CRJ 200, 700 and 900 and Dash 8/Q400-series.