Republic Airways expanding training academy to include maintenance technicians

Republic Airways plans to expand its flight training academy in Indianapolis later this month by offering an aviation maintenance technician apprenticeship program at the school, the airline announced Wednesday.

Officials for Indianapolis-based Republic said the registered program will be the only one of its kind in Indiana and one of only eight in the United States.

Republic opened its Leadership in Flight Training, or LIFT, Academy a year ago at Indianapolis International Airport. More than 200 students are enrolled in the program.

The airline said the first class for the aviation maintenance technician apprenticeship program will begin Sept. 30 and will be open to six students. The academy said it expects to offer at least two classes of apprenticeships annually.

Republic said the program will be an “earn-to-learn model” in which apprentices are paid while receiving on-the-job training from licensed airframe and powerplant, or A&P, professionals.

The program will take about three years to complete. Once licensed, apprentices are promised a guaranteed job at Republic Airways as an aviation maintenance technician. Starting pay for the jobs will be about $45,000 per year.

The LIFT Academy will be the only training academy in the country to offer both airline transport pilot and aviation maintenance technician apprenticeships through the U.S. Department of Labor.

“There has never been a more exciting time to enter the field of aviation, and the industry must do more to attract individuals into these jobs that provide a life-long career and stable pay,” said Matt Koscal, Republic Airways senior vice president and chief administrative officer, in a written statement. “We are excited that LIFT is recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor for addressing this important workforce development need.”