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Aviation careers take flight through SOWELA’s new paid apprenticeship model

Last updated: December 21, 2025 11:50 am
Published: 4 months ago
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A new partnership in Southwest Louisiana is demonstrating how colleges and employers can co-design programs that meet real world needs while giving students a direct path to high-paying careers.

This year, SOWELA Technical Community College in Lake Charles and Citadel Completions received approval from the Louisiana Workforce Commission State Apprenticeship Council to launch the state’s first Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) two-year apprenticeship program. This innovative model allows students in SOWELA’s Aviation Maintenance program to attend classes in the mornings and work paid apprenticeships at Citadel in the afternoons.

“Having the ability for students to work while they go to school is a tremendous help to both the employer and the student,” said Steve Barding, a Citadel aircraft maintenance supervisor and an adjunct instructor at SOWELA. “I’ve had apprentices on the plane while I’m doing engine runs and maintenance checks. They have a whole tactile world of experiences that will hopefully inspire them to continue on this career path.”

The idea for the apprenticeship program came from students who spoke about balancing school with family responsibilities and financial obligations. Apprentices start at a pay rate of $22 per hour, with raises as they earn additional certifications through SOWELA’s Aviation Maintenance program. If offered a full-time position at Citadel after completing the program, new graduates can earn up to $29 per hour.

“This is another great example of industry partnering with education to develop a skilled and qualified workforce,” said SOWELA Chancellor Dr. Neil Aspinwall. “As I always state, SOWELA is in the workforce development business, and this apprenticeship program provides our Aviation Program students a great opportunity to earn while they learn with the potential for a great career in the aviation industry.”

That opportunity was appealing to Titus Acoff, a student in the first AMT apprenticeship cohort. Acoff was originally studying computer information systems, but grew concerned when he saw his roommate struggle to find work in the field. Acoff attended an aviation convention and learned about the role of aircraft mechanics. He was quickly hooked on the idea.

“It was something I had never really looked into, but once I found out about what aircraft mechanics do and how much of a need there is, I knew I had found what I was looking for,” Acoff said. “It was truly by the grace of God that this opportunity was bestowed upon me. The program has been amazing, especially being able to put my hands on a plane and see the processes up close. Plus, I know I’ll always be able to get a job, so this is a career that comes with a lot of stability and opportunity for growth.”

Another student, Bryce Lee Chapman, was looking for a new career path after serving in the military. He had jumped out of dozens of helicopters and C-130s and had always admired the aircrafts’ capabilities. When he heard about the apprenticeship program, he felt it would be the next logical step for him.

“I’ve always been fascinated with mechanics, so I knew this was for me from the moment I opened my first book in my first class,” he said. “It’s absolutely fascinating to me. I can’t tell you how fun and interesting it is to learn how these engines are moving people through the sky every day.”

David Linscomb, SOWELA’s aviation maintenance program coordinator, said the college’s partnership with Citadel has helped make the apprenticeship program so successful. In addition to giving students the chance to earn a living wage while in school, the company’s feedback ensures that SOWELA is teaching relevant skills.

“I don’t know of any other school in the region that has as many live aircraft on site as we do,” Linscomb said. “Our main goal is to create a workforce pipeline so students have a place to work once they finish the program, so we go to Citadel and other industry partners when we’re making decisions about the curriculum and what we are teaching. Their input is valuable and their buy-in is very important.”

SOWELA’s associate degree program is a federally regulated Aviation Training School certified by the Federal Aviation Administration. Once training is complete, students are prepared to sit for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant certifications. According to instructor surveys and industry partners, SOWELA’s placement rate for the program is 90% within the first six months.

Linscomb added that the apprenticeship program not only teaches students how to be an aircraft mechanic, but how to be a good employee – something that Citadel and other partners have emphasized is crucial to a person’s professional success. That well-rounded approach has helped make the program so successful that other companies have expressed interest in creating similar models.

“We spend a lot of time talking about how important it is to show up every day, show up on time, be ready to work, have a good work ethic and follow the rules,” he said.

According to the Aviation Technician Education Council, the U.S. is expected to have a shortage of about 25,000 certified aircraft mechanics by 2028. But, thanks to the success of the SOWELA program, Barding has renewed optimism that those positions will be filled by current students who will bring dedication and passion to their work.

“The biggest takeaway I have seen from this apprenticeship program is hope,” Barding said. “We went through some dark times in aircraft maintenance four or five years ago because there weren’t people coming up to replace those who were retiring. Now, with the apprenticeships and involvement with SOWELA, our future is looking really bright. We have some great people in training. It has changed my outlook on the future of this industry. I know we will be okay.”

Registration for SOWELA’s Aviation Maintenance program is open, with Spring 2026 classes starting January 12. For more information or to apply, visit http://www.sowela.edu/apply or contact [email protected]. Scholarships and financial aid are available for those who qualify.

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