United Airlines launches in-house aircraft technician training: Travel Weekly

As it prepares for an influx of new aircraft, United Airlines has started an in-house apprenticeship program.

At least half of the 1,000 workers trained by Calibrate will be women or people of color, according to the program's goal.

Calibrate is a partnership between United and the FAA. Next week, the first class of the program will begin.

The program will be open to external candidates in early23. The program will save participants money because they will be paid as they learn.

In order to handle upkeep on the 270 narrowbody planes the airline ordered last year, United expects to hire 7,000 maintenance technicians by the end of the decade.

Shortage of aircraft mechanics

There is an ongoing shortage of aircraft mechanics in the U.S. and United does not have a technician shortfall.

According to the May edition of the Aeronautical Repair Station Association's annual industry survey, difficulty with finding and keeping workers is the most significant threat to the industry.

Up to 20,000 technician jobs are vacant in the country, according to ARSA.

Calibrate will launch in Houston and expand to more than a dozen other locations.