AIN Staff

Stratford, Connecticut-based Sikorsky Aircraft (Booth 7532) has had, since 2002, a goal to create 8,000 new jobs and apprentice positions by 2023. Working with Teamsters union's Local 1150 for about a decade, the Lockheed Martin unit runs an eight-week summer program for students from seven local high schools to help achieve that goal and to help the students&nbsp;learn a trade for employment in the helicopter industry. More than 300 students have participated in this program across multiple trade disciplines.

 


To complete the Sikorsky Teamsters Career Pathways Program, as it is called, the students work some 680 hours during the summers following their junior and senior high school years. Sikorsky recruits at high schools and receives about 500 applicants each year. In December, the applicants&nbsp;tour the company's headquarters. Students apply online for the summer program, and&nbsp;the state's&nbsp;Departments of Education and Labor handle the selection process.

 


The hiring rate for those who complete the program is as high as it could be: the helicopter manufacturer offered jobs in 2019 to 100 percent of the seniors who graduated from high school and the program. That meant 12 new employees at Sikorsky. The seniors of 2020, about 30, are all expected to complete the program in the summer of this year.

 


At the closing ceremony last August for the 2019 summer program, Connecticut's Departments of Education and&nbsp;Labor&nbsp;announced the program’s newly registered Aircraft Manufacturing pre-apprenticeship. Said Rocco Calo, secretary-treasurer and principal officer of Local 1150:&nbsp;“The transition to a certified pre-apprenticeship is the next logical step for our program. Not only will it help us to recruit those students who are looking for industry-recognized credentials, but it helps to bolster U.S. manufacturing by preparing these students to work in any aerospace facility.”&nbsp;Local 1150, which is made up entirely of Sikorsky employees, has represented workers at the company for nearly 60 years, helping to create jobs in Connecticut, Florida, and Alabama.

 


The August 2019 closing ceremony also celebrated the success of nearly 50 high school students who received critical trade skills working on major products, including the S-92, S-76, CH-53K, Black Hawk, and Combat Rescue Helicopter.

 


“Advanced manufacturing and the aircraft and aerospace industries are booming right now in Connecticut,” said Kurt Westby, commissioner of the state’s Department of Labor. “This program not only gives students a jumpstart on a great career&nbsp;but is a critical link in preparing our workforce to meet the needs of manufacturers that are creating much-needed economic growth in our state.”

 


George Mitchell, Sikorsky vice president of production operations, said, “These students serve as a cornerstone of our talent pipeline and success of our workforce, as they help us fill advanced manufacturing occupations.”

News and issues regarding all manner of civil and military rotorcraft and their powerplants, including helicopters, tilt rotors and unmanned air vehicles.

Sikorsky Apprentice Program Helping Long-term Hire Goal

More than 300 students have participated in Sikorsky's eight-week summer programs, which this summer resulted in job offers for all who participated.

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Matt Thurber

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Pioneering liftoff took place in Bromont, Québec

Unither Achieves First Hydrogen-powered Helicopter Flight

News and issues relating to the aerospace industry that are related to the science, engineering and business of flight in space involving civil, industrial and military applications, and similar topics related to flight in the atmosphere of the Earth that are not covered more directly by other AINonline subject channels. In other words, both astronautical and aeronautical subjects, except for those aeronautical topics that are specifically covered elsewhere on this website.

The venerable helicopter manufacturer is looking at expanding its portfolio.

Sikorsky’s Blown Wing Aircraft Gives Glimpse of Future Hybrid-electric Technology

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

At 17 years old, she already has her PPL.

Meet Olivia Thompson, the UK's Youngest-Ever Female Helicopter Pilot

Company’s helicopters employed in law enforcement and utility roles

Bell Scores More Sales at Avalon Australian Airshow

Aircraft will serve in emergency medical services role

New Zealand Search and Rescue Orders H145 Helicopters

The 525 is the first civil fly-by-wire helicopter.

Bell Pilot on Flying the 525 Relentless Fly-by-Wire Helicopter and Program Update

News and issues about aviation maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), covering all segments of the aviation industry; and modifications for aircraft and engines. Subjects include product support of aircraft, engines and avionics, MRO company mergers, acquisitions, announcements and personnel, Airworthiness Directives, Supplemental Type Certificate approvals and other topics.

HAI Heli-Expo 2020

More In Rotorcraft

Unither Achieves First Hydrogen-powered Helicopter Flight

Pioneering liftoff took place in Bromont, Québec

Sikorsky’s Blown Wing Aircraft Gives Glimpse of Future Hybrid-electric Technology

The venerable helicopter manufacturer is looking at expanding its portfolio.

Meet Olivia Thompson, the UK's Youngest-Ever Female Helicopter Pilot

At 17 years old, she already has her PPL.

Bell Scores More Sales at Avalon Australian Airshow

Company’s helicopters employed in law enforcement and utility roles

New Zealand Search and Rescue Orders H145 Helicopters

Aircraft will serve in emergency medical services role

Bell Pilot on Flying the 525 Relentless Fly-by-Wire Helicopter and Program Update

The 525 is the first civil fly-by-wire helicopter.

Bell Approves GE Rotor Analysis Diagnostic System

Track and balance and diagnostics system can be used on new-technology rotorcraft

Robinson's New R88 Model Supersizes its Helicopter Family

The R88 can seat 10 and carry up to 1,800 pounds of payload.

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN