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AVIATION MAINTENANCE PRE-APPRENTICESHIP 

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Opportunities for High Schools

CSAA works with high schools, career and technical education programs, and community organizations to bring aviation workforce preparation directly to students.

Classroom aviation instruction

Hands-on maintenance activities

Alignment with existing aviation, STEM or CTE courses

Career speakers and professional mentors

Aviation employer and airport tours

FAA ACE Camp participation

Work-based learning experiences

Employability-skills instruction

Career planning and apprenticeship preparation

A documented pathway into CSAA’s Registered Apprenticeship

This program can complement, rather than replace, a school’s existing curriculum.

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CSAA can work with educators to develop a curriculum crosswalk showing how pre-apprenticeship

activities align with local course standards, aviation curriculum and workforce-readiness requirements.

Benefits for Students

Participants have the opportunity to:

  • Explore aviation careers before making a long-term commitment

  • Gain hands-on exposure to aircraft maintenance

  • Understand what aviation employers expect

  • Build confidence using tools and technical processes

  • Develop professional and workplace-readiness skills

  • Meet aviation employers, technicians and mentors

  • Strengthen their résumé and career portfolio

  • Prepare for apprenticeship interviews and selection

  • Connect classroom learning to real aviation careers

  • Build a clearer pathway into employment or postsecondary education

Benefits for Schools and Community Partners

Partner organizations receive access to a structured aviation career pathway that can help:

  • Expand work-based learning opportunities

  • Support CTE and STEM programming

  • Introduce students to high-demand technical careers

  • Strengthen employer engagement

  • Connect students with industry mentors

  • Improve career awareness and readiness

  • Create a direct connection to a Registered Apprenticeship Program

  • Support students who may not be pursuing a traditional four-year degree

  • Build a stronger regional aviation workforce pipeline

Benefits for Aviation Employers

Employer partners can participate by:

  • Hosting facility tours

  • Providing career speakers

  • Supporting job-shadowing experiences

  • Advising on curriculum and workplace skills

  • Offering mentors

  • Participating in mock interviews

  • Identifying promising future apprenticeship candidates

  • Hiring qualified graduates into apprenticeship or entry-level positions

Pre-apprenticeship allows employers to engage with future workers early and help students understand workplace expectations before they enter employment.

Program Delivery

CSAA’s Aviation Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship may be delivered through:

  • High school aviation or CTE courses

  • JAG-K and JAG-M programming

  • FAA ACE Camps

  • School-day or after-school programs

  • Summer programs

  • Community-based workforce programs

  • Postsecondary partnerships

  • Employer-hosted learning experiences

  • Hybrid classroom and hands-on instruction

Program length and schedule may vary. Some programs may be offered as a short-term introduction, while others may be delivered across a semester, school year or multi-year pathway.

Pre-Apprenticeship Completion

Depending on the program structure, participants may be expected to:

  • Complete required instructional hours

  • Attend regularly

  • Participate in hands-on activities

  • Demonstrate safe work practices

  • Complete career-readiness activities

  • Meet academic and conduct expectations

  • Participate in employer or mentor engagement

  • Complete a final project, assessment or portfolio

Participants who successfully complete the program may receive documentation recognizing their participation and the skills introduced during the program.

Completion documentation is not an FAA mechanic certificate or professional license.

Postsecondary and Career Connections

CSAA works with schools, colleges, workforce organizations and aviation employers to help participants continue their education and career development.

Possible next steps may include:

  • CSAA’s Kansas-approved Registered Apprenticeship

  • Entry-level aviation employment

  • Aviation maintenance or aerospace degree programs

  • FAA mechanic certification pathways

  • Avionics training

  • Non-Destructive Testing education

  • Drone and uncrewed aircraft systems training

  • Continued career and technical education

Requirements vary by employer, school, credential and career pathway.

For Schools and Organizations

CSAA can work partners - develop a pre-apprenticeship model based on:​

  • Student age and grade level

  • Existing aviation or STEM curriculum

  • School schedules

  • Available classroom & laboratory space

  • Employer access

  • Transportation needs

  • Funding and grant requirements

  • Desired student outcomes

  • Local workforce needs

Bring Aviation Pre-Apprenticeship to Your Students

CSAA works with educators to align pre-apprenticeship activities with local course standards, aviation curriculum and workforce-readiness requirements.

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For Students and Families

Students interested in aviation do not need prior aircraft maintenance experience to begin exploring the pathway. Curiosity, dependability, safety awareness and a willingness to learn are important starting points.

Important Notice

CSAA’s Aviation Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship is aligned with its Kansas-approved Registered Apprenticeship Program. The pre-apprenticeship itself should not be described as a paid Registered Apprenticeship or as guaranteeing direct employment.

Program availability, content, schedules and eligibility requirements depend on participating schools, community organizations, employers, locations and available funding. Completion does not guarantee admission to the Registered Apprenticeship, employment, college credit or FAA certification.

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