AIRCRAFT REPAIR COMPANY LANDS NEW STAFF THANKS TO WORKFORCE INVESTMENT BOARD

Funding for On-the-Job Training enables mechanics to join Southern California Aviation 

VICTORVILLE, CA —Hundreds of airplanes are safely flying the skies thanks to Victorville company Southern California Aviation. For the last 15 years, the company has been responsible for repairing and maintaining aircraft for some of the nation’s top carriers including United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Cathay Pacific Airways and Boeing.

In order to uphold strict industry standards, Southern California Aviation (SCA) employs only the most highly qualified engineers and mechanics. Employees undergo specialist training to ensure strong understanding of federal regulations.

SCA recently formed a partnership with the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board (WIB) to help recruit and train newly qualified mechanics. Director of Human Resources at SCA, Charisse Glazier explained, “The Federal Aviation Administration requires proof that the individuals maintaining the aircraft are highly qualified and trained.”

“With the help of the Workforce Investment Board’s On-the-Job Training program, we have been able to employ two recently qualified mechanics who were just out of school.  These students would not have had this opportunity without the Workforce Investment Board,” continued Glazier. “This program is great because it helps absorb the expense of providing costly training; it is a win-win solution in this economy.”

The WIB’s federally funded On-the-Job Training program provides partial wage reimbursement for the first 90 days of employment, the designated training period.  The goal is to help alleviate the financial burden that often accompanies hiring new employees, thereby supporting company growth.

Southern California Aviation houses approximately 200 aircraft and a 72,000-square-foot hangar at its 240-acre facility. Skilled airframe and power plant mechanics are in high demand in the aircraft industry and with an aging workforce in this field, the company has confirmed plans to continue recruiting staff through the WIB’s On-the-Job Training program.

Sandy Harmsen, Executive Director for the Workforce Investment Board commented, “In the last year the Workforce Investment Board has developed 384 successful On-the-Job Training contracts throughout the county. By delivering qualified applicants to expanding companies, we are encouraging business growth and the expansion of job opportunities for our residents.”

San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chair, Janice Rutherford added, “We see the importance of delivering tailored programs to help individual businesses recruit and train staff. We are glad to have helped Southern California Aviation with their staffing needs and look forward to working with them in the future.”

For information about the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board’s no-cost programs for businesses and residents, contact (800) 451-JOBS or visit www.csb-win.org.

About the Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County

The Workforce Investment Board of San Bernardino County (WIB) is comprised of private business representatives and public partners appointed by the County of San Bernardino Board of Supervisors.  The Workforce Investment Board strives to strengthen the skills of the County’s workforce through partnerships with business, education and community-based organizations. The County of San Bernardino WIB is committed to providing county resources, which generate jobs and investment.

The Workforce Investment Board, through the County of San Bernardino’s Economic Development Agency and Workforce Development Department, operates the County of San Bernardino’s three America’s Job Centers of California (AJCC). The AJCCs provide individuals with job training, placement and the tools to strengthen their skills to achieve a higher quality of life. The AJCCs also support and provide services to the County’s businesses, including employee recruitment and business retention programs.

Employers and job seekers who are interested in the Workforce Investment Board programs may call: (800) 451-JOBS or visit www.csb-win.org.

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