Jacobsen came from Horizon Air as an A & P mechanic . He mentioned he ’ s been in many roles over the years , but all in maintenance . He said , “ There are not enough skilled aircraft mechanics to go around . We have an apprenticeship program to train those who don ’ t have those skills . We train them ourselves .”
He explained that all new hires at ATS undergo a two-week initial training to learn MRO fundamentals . They go through what it ’ s like to be on the floor , read and understand tasks from the Boeing manuals , understand the aircraft parts , safety wiring , riveting , etc . “ They are comfortable when they walk out on the factory floor .”
ATS does some aftermarket modifications for Boeing , and their location is handy for conducting routine maintenance on aircraft because it is an aerospace hub . “ Everything arrives here by air , but they don ’ t all fly to Paine Field . Sometimes , if they go to SeaTac , the aircraft will fly to Everett for maintenance ,” Jacobsen said .
“ The most satisfying part is seeing apprentices succeed . They will go through the program , graduate , and then move to master mechanics .” He loves hiring former apprentices as instructors in his department . Three employees in the department have been former apprentices . He said that is proof of the apprenticeship process — to take people to the state of leadership and instruction for others . He added , “ We have had people go on to master and lead mechanic ’ s roles , which is a continual feedback loop from apprentice to leadership .” Most trainees are very excited about the training in the large factory environment . The lead walks trainees onto the aircraft on the first day . “ There is an awe factor ,” Jacobsen said .
14 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS