GE Aerospace celebrated first graduating class of Lafayette apprentices

The first class of GE Aerospace apprentices has graduated from the Apprenticeship Program in Lafayette, Indiana, after completing several years of on-the-job training and classroom work. All three graduates earned their FAA powerplant license, allowing them to independently inspect, repair and maintain aircraft engines at GE Aerospace. Under the program, apprentices spend two to three years learning alongside mentors, working through multiple hands-on job scopes, software and computer programs.

They also attend a seminar at Purdue University to gain additional knowledge needed to pass their FAA exam. The company launched the apprenticeship program in 2022 to meet the ramp-up of LEAP engine production and pays the apprentices throughout the entire program. There are currently 10 people in the growing program.

Jordan Wysong, the site leader for GE Aerospace Lafayette site commented: “We could not be prouder of this first graduating class for their hard work. These graduates are embarking on promising careers with GE Aerospace in a dynamic and rewarding industry. The apprenticeship program is a cornerstone of our efforts to build local talent, and we look forward to celebrating future classes in the years to come.”

In addition to the apprenticeship program, GE Aerospace announced plans to invest more than $10M into the Lafayette facility last year for additional equipment and new tooling.

“The apprenticeship was a challenging but very rewarding opportunity. So many doors have opened through the program and by joining the GE Aerospace team. I now have many opportunities to grow in my career and different job paths to choose from. For someone that never went to college, this is one of the best decisions I could have made—by far,” said Taylor Riegle, one of the apprentice graduates.

Dr. J. Michael Davis, associate professor of aeronautical engineering technology at Purdue University, who taught one of the classes stated: "It has been a pleasure working with the GE Aerospace apprentices. Their enthusiasm, dedication and new perspectives are true assets. GE Aerospace has taken an important step with this program, and I look forward to witnessing the success of the apprentices.”

The Lafayette Apprenticeship Program is part of GE Aerospace's broader efforts to strengthen the manufacturing workforce. In October, the GE Aerospace Foundation donated $150,000 to the Greater Lafayette Career Academy to hire a full-time instructor and double the capacity of its Airframe & Powerplant program. The donation was part of more than $2.3M in funding from GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation to support more than a dozen workforce development programs that help people gain advanced manufacturing skills.

"Congratulations to the graduates on their hard work and earning their powerplant licenses. They show that our residents have the opportunity to develop the aerospace skills needed for these jobs that allow people to build a good life and raise a family right here in Lafayette," said Lafayette Mayor Tony Roswarski.