Ten of the first cohort enrolled in Bombardier’s apprenticeship and training programme in Red Oak Texas, have graduated.

With the successful completion of the training programme – which is developed in association with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) – graduates are offered full-time employment at Bombardier’s Red Oak facility as an aircraft assembler or aerostructures apprentice to work on the Global 7500 business jet’s advanced smooth flex wing.

The two-year US Department of Labor- accredited Bombardier Aerospace Apprenticeship Program (BAAP) launched in December 2019 and offers students the opportunity to enter the high-tech aerospace sector with no specific pre-requisites.

The apprenticeship programme offers practical and on-the-job training with theoretical, in-class learning. Educational topics covered include the introduction of health, safety and quality best practices, as well as aircraft drawing and specification comprehension, manufacturing appreciation of standards, and regulatory compliances of aircraft assembly.

Paul Sislian, executive vice president, operations and operational excellence at Bombardier, said: “I am thrilled to celebrate the graduation of the women and men on the BAAP programme who will now move on in new careers at Bombardier, helping to ramp up the development of Bombardier’s Global 7500 programme.

“The accomplishments of these talented individuals underscore the importance of fuelling the aerospace pipeline in our Red Oak facility, bringing world-class training opportunities and cementing Bombardier as a key pillar of the community.”

More than 80 apprentices are enrolled in the programme. Bombardier and TSTC plan to recruit a further 50 over the next two years.