Bombardier celebrates graduation of first cohort from Texas apprenticeship program

On November 4, Bombardier celebrated the graduation of the first 10 participants from the Bombardier Aerospace Apprenticeship Program (BAAP). BAAP is a two-year comprehensive training program nationally accredited by the Department of Labor (DOL), created in conjunction with Texas State Technical College (TSTC) in Red Oak, Texas.

Launched in December 2019, the program offers students the opportunity to enter the high-tech aerospace sector without any specific pre-requisites. The apprenticeship program is uniquely designed for students to gain practical and on-the-job training, where they will have the chance to develop mechanical dexterity and sound logic skills. Bombardier and TSTC give students access to state-of-the-art training at TSTC’s facilities, enabling them to benefit from training modules tailored to the industry, instructors with years of experience, tools and equipment and financial support for free. 

Upon graduation, the students are offered full-time employment at Bombardier’s Red Oak facility to the support development of the flagship Global 7500 aircraft’s advanced smooth flex wing. Paul Sislian, Bombardier’s Executive Vice President, Operations and Operational Excellence, praised the graduates, “the accomplishments of these talented individuals aptly underscore the importance of fueling 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 currently enrolled in the program. Over the next two years, Bombardier and TSTC intend to enroll a further 50 individuals into the program.