Avionics News February 2020 - 10

U.S. Department of Labor
approves AEA's avionics technician
apprenticeship program
The United States Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration, Office
of Apprenticeship recently approved the avionics
technician apprenticeship program that was
created by the Aircraft Electronics Association and
submitted through its partnership with the Urban
Institute. The apprenticeship program offers a
competency-based occupational framework that
meets industry standards.
According to the Department of
Labor's bulletin, "This CBOF
(competency-based occupational
framework) has met industry
standards and approval; it covers
job titles and occupational
pathways, related functions and
performance criteria, as well as
academic, workplace and personal
competencies for job success. While
use of CBOFs in developing standards
utilizing the competency-based training approach
is voluntary, no additional vetting of a Work
Process Schedule utilizing the CBOF should be
required where a program aligns to the occupational
framework described in a CBOF, beyond the basic
requirements set forth in 29 CFR Part 29."
The AEA's team of member repair stations and
manufacturer representatives worked with the
Urban Institute to develop the avionics technician
apprenticeship program that now merits a national
credential from the Department of Labor. Founded
in 1968, the Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute
is a nonprofit research organization that collaborates
with stakeholders to craft relevant solutions and
strategies in order to address future obstacles.
The AEA's development of the apprenticeship
program follows the Federal Aviation

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Administration's announcement in January 2019
that formally recognized the Aircraft Electronics
Technician certification from ASTM's National
Center for Aerospace and Transportation
Technologies as equivalent to formal training
when showing eligibility for the issuance of a
repairman certificate. The Department of Labor's
approval is another significant accomplishment
in the association's ongoing workforce
development efforts that has continued
over the last two decades.
"The avionics technician
apprenticeship program offers
a new career pathway where
individuals can simultaneously earn
a competitive wage, gain knowledge
with structured learning and on-thejob training, and achieve industryrecognized credentials," said Mike
Adamson, AEA president and chief executive
officer. "It is no secret that the avionics industry
must address the challenges posed by a tightened
labor market and competition from other industries.
Developing a nationally registered apprenticeship
program was the next logical step to help cultivate
the next generation of avionics professionals. Now
that the apprenticeship program has been approved
by the Department of Labor, AEA member repair
stations have another tool to grow their own and
successfully recruit, train and retain high-quality
technicians. It is another critical step in our
industry's ongoing workforce development efforts."
AEA members interested in learning more about
the apprenticeship program should plan to attend
a one-hour training session, March 26, during the
63rd annual AEA International Convention & Trade
Show in Nashville, Tennessee. q
Avionics News February 2020

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