Hawaiian Launches Airline Mechanic Apprentice Program

Hawaiian Airlines photo.

Hawaiian Airlines has partnered with Honolulu Community College and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union to launch a new apprenticeship program to train and recruit local candidates interested in pursuing a career as aviation mechanics.

Hawaiian’s Aircraft Mechanic Apprenticeship Program, in partnership with the HonCC’s Aeronautics Maintenance Technology program, will provide valuable on-the-job experience for up to eight candidates as they work toward obtaining their Airframe & Powerplant license, a Federal Aviation Administration certification.

To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled in an accredited A&P FAA school, such as HonCC for a minimum of six months, or have previous military or aviation experience and be in the process of obtaining their A&P license.

Participants who earn their A&P license and demonstrate strong performance will be guaranteed a position with Hawaiian Airlines as full-time aircraft mechanics.

As one of Hawai‘i’s largest private business with nearly 6,000 employees, Hawaiian Airlines is committed to developing and hiring local talent for airline careers as it continues to grow its operations.

Hawai‘i’s flagship carrier currently employs more than 250 aircraft mechanics responsible for maintaining an expanding and diverse fleet of interisland and transpacific aircraft.

“As we increase the size of our fleet and connect to new destinations, Hawai‘i remains our home and hub,” said Vice President of Maintenance & Engineering Jim Landers. “We’re excited to work with HonCC to offer a transition path to a long-term career opportunity for talented individuals right here in our community who are seeking to broaden their horizons.”

“Honolulu Community College is excited to partner with Hawaiian Airlines and the International Association of Machinists to support the development of this unique apprenticeship training initiative,” said Keala Chock, HonCC’s dean of Transportation and Trades. “As Hawai‘i’s only fully certified aircraft maintenance degree training program in the state, we are constantly exploring opportunities to engage our local workforce to help support our students’ transition into careers. Labor market information has suggested a very healthy demand for aircraft maintenance technicians over the next five years. In addition, individuals who complete the apprenticeship program will have a great opportunity to earn competitive wages and remain in Hawai‘i. This could not be a better scenario for our local residents and the state to locally grow our workforce.”

HonCC, one of ten campuses in the University of Hawai‘i System, has been continuously and fully accredited since 1970 by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

Machinist Union representative David Figueira noted the much anticipated completion of a state-of-the-art aircraft maintenance hangar at Honolulu International Airport will open the door for Hawaiian to accomplish more maintenance work within the state.

“In order to do that, we would need to be able to provide sufficient trained and qualified aircraft maintenance technicians,” Figueira said. “What better way to do that then to enter into an apprenticeship program to home-grow future aircraft mechanics who while enrolled in school, would be able to earn a decent wage and gain valuable experience and, if successful in completing the apprentice program, is guaranteed a position as a Unionized Aircraft Maintenance Technician.”

Successful applicants will start the program on Sept. 12 under the supervision of a lead mechanic. They will be paid as a mechanic and perform hands-on repair and preventive maintenance work on Hawaiian Airlines aircraft for up to 18 months and a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Recruitment for the AMAP will be ongoing as slots open.

To apply, email careers@hawaiianair.com or visit www.hawaiianairlines.com/careers.