AVIATION MAINTENANCE REGISTERED APPRENTICESHIP
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Kansas-Approved Aviation Maintenance Registered Apprenticeship
Cornerstone Aviation Academy’s Aviation Maintenance Apprenticeship is a State of Kansas-approved Registered Apprenticeship Program designed to prepare individuals for skilled, high-demand careers in the aviation industry.
The program combines paid, hands-on training with an aviation employer and structured technical instruction aligned with the knowledge and skills needed to become an aviation maintenance professional.
Participants gain real-world experience while earning wages, receiving mentorship, and progressing toward industry-recognized credentials and opportunities for FAA certification.
Cornerstone Aviation Academy serves as the registered apprenticeship sponsor and works with aviation employers, educational institutions, and workforce partners to provide a structured pathway into aviation maintenance careers.
THE APPRENTICESHIP INCLUDES:
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Paid on-the-job learning with a participating aviation employer
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Approximately 1,920 hours of structured occupational training
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FAA-aligned related technical instruction
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Hands-on laboratory and maintenance experience
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Experienced workplace mentors
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Progressive skill and competency development
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Wage progression as apprentices advance
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Career-readiness and professional-skills training
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Support preparing for FAA testing and industry credentials
CAREER PATHWAYS
CSAA is developing apprenticeship pathways that respond directly to aviation workforce needs, including:
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Aviation Maintenance and A&P preparation
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Avionics
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Non-Destructive Testing
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Drone and Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Technology
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Additional aviation technical occupations as employer demand develops
Program availability may vary by employer, location and cohort.
A DIRECT PATH FROM EDUCATION TO EMPLOYMENT
The apprenticeship is part of CSAA’s broader aviation workforce pipeline. Students may begin with aviation career exploration, FAA ACE Camps, school-based aviation programming or CSAA’s Aviation Maintenance Pre-Apprenticeship. Qualified participants can then transition into the Registered Apprenticeship, where they receive paid workplace training with an aviation employer. The pathway is designed to help participants move through four stages:
Explore aviation careers → Build foundational skills → Enter paid apprenticeship → Advance toward credentials and long-term employment**
Registered Apprenticeship Documentation
Kansas approval materials for CSAA’s Aviation Maintenance Registered Apprenticeship, RAP #2026-KS-141933, including the work-process schedule, related technical instruction structure, wage progression, and employer responsibilities.
BENEFITS FOR APPRENTICES
Apprentices have the opportunity to:
Earn wages while learning
Gain meaningful aviation maintenance experience
Learn directly from experienced industry professionals
Avoid relying exclusively on a traditional classroom pathway
Build documented occupational competencies
Prepare for FAA certification opportunities
Develop a professional network within the aviation industry
Pursue long-term employment with participating employers
Apprenticeship placement is competitive and depends on employer availability, applicant qualifications and successful completion of all onboarding requirements.
BENEFITS FOR EMPLOYERS
Participating employers receive support developing a dependable aviation talent pipeline. CSAA assists employer partners with:
Apprentice recruitment and candidate referrals
Program registration and administration
Structured on-the-job learning plans
Mentor and supervisor guidance
Related technical instruction coordination
Apprentice progress tracking
Performance evaluations and documentation
Workforce and education partnership coordination
Connections to potential workforce-development resources
Employers retain responsibility for hiring decisions, wages, workplace supervision, safety requirements and compliance with applicable employment regulations.
Who May Apply?
The apprenticeship may be appropriate for:
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High school graduates
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Participants completing an approved pre-apprenticeship
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Recent graduates seeking a skilled aviation career
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Career and technical education students
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Postsecondary students
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Veterans and transitioning service members
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Adults changing careers
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Current aviation employees seeking additional training
Applicants must meet CSAA and employer eligibility requirements, including work authorization, transportation, and workplace readiness.
Postsecondary and Credential Opportunities
CSAA works with education and industry partners to connect apprentices with continued education, FAA testing and postsecondary opportunities.
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FAA mechanic certification and A&P testing
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Industry-recognized technical credentials
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College credit or advanced standing
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An associate degree pathway
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Continued education in aviation maintenance, aviation technology or aerospace
College credit and FAA certification are not automatic. Participants must meet the requirements of the applicable school, testing provider or federal aviation authority.
