Summary
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters and United Airlines have launched the Calibrate apprenticeship program, which will allow non-licensed Teamsters to gain skills and become FAA-licensed Airframe and Powerplant Technicians. This initiative aims to train over 1,000 workers by 2026, with a strong commitment to diversity in the workforce, ensuring at least half of those trained are women and people of color.
This program reflects a growing trend of collaboration between unions and employers to enhance workforce development and create more inclusive opportunities. As the industry faces challenges in workforce shortages, programs like Calibrate are crucial in building a skilled, diverse talent pipeline in the aviation sector.
Why this matters for apprenticeships
The Calibrate program highlights the importance of partnerships between unions and companies in fostering skilled labor through registered apprenticeships. By focusing on diversity and inclusion, it sets a precedent for future programs aiming to address workforce gaps while promoting equitable access to training in high-demand fields.