Springfield, Illinois: Aviation jobs target of local recruitment campaign

There are approximately 50 tough-to-fill jobs open at STANDARDAERO of Springfield.

Workforce development has been a buzzword for years for local economic development efforts, with the goal of training local workers for the local jobs available. Aircraft maintenance and repair company StandardAero has often been offered as an example of well-paying skilled jobs that often go unfilled for lack of qualified applicants.

The company, with aid from Lincoln Land Community College, has begun a recruitment drive for aviation mechanics, aircraft painters, upholsterers, avionics installation technicians and sheet-metal workers. StandardAero is among the largest private employers based at Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport, with a workforce of 250.

"It's very tough to fill these jobs, which are highly skilled," said Sandy Sayarath, StandardAero's human resources manager. "We recruit for these positions from all over the country."

Sayarath said the openings result from a combination of increased customer orders and overall company expansion.

The Springfield plant is among 13 primary facilities in the United States, Canada, Europe, Singapore and Asia. StandardAero just became a part of New York private equity firm Veritas Capital through a $2.1 billion buyout from Dubai Aerospace Enterprise. The aircraft repair and maintenance business at the Springfield airport began with Capital Aviation Co. in 1947.

StandardAero and LLCC also have launched an internship program for on-the-job training. The LLCC aviation training program is based at the airport. Three interns have been hired, and offers are planned for at least three more.

"While they're in school, they'll keep them working weekends," said David Pietrzak, director of LLCC's aviation program. "If they realize they're a good match for the company, they'll offer them a full-time position."

The StandardAero website, including the "Careers" link, is standardaero.com. Information on the LLCC aviation training program is available through the "Career Training" link at llcc.edu or by calling 544-4965.

Source:  http://www.sj-r.com