Military Aircraft Makers Education and Training

Military aircraft builders are a team with a variety of skills and education levels
By Trish Popovitch
Military airplane manufacturers are essential to the defense and aerospace industry. With national defense a high priority, the military aviation business is constantly seeking new workers, technicians and manufacturers to keep supply affordable and competitive.

Whether it's designing the next fighter jet or assembling its components, a number of jobs and professions are essential to the productivity of the military and domestic aviation industry. When it comes to military aircraft makers education and training:

1. Learn about the certification you may need to work for military aircraft makers

2. Understand that practical experience is key to productive military airplane builders

3. Realize that military airplane manufacturers rely on individuals with high levels of expertise to stay competitive

Get certified to work as an airplane mechanic for military aircraft builders

Certification ensures that you have the knowledge and skills necessary to become an airplane mechanic. Most military plane manufacturers will expect this as a minimum qualification.
Try:  The Federal Aviation Administration lists the basic requirements to become an airplane mechanic. The Carolina Aeronautical A&P offers certification programs and guarantees that you will have all the knowledge necessary to pass the tests.

Use apprenticeships to gain hands on experience for military plane manufacturers

Apprenticeships are a tradition in the manufacturing industries and this is no less true in the aircraft manufacturing industry. Skills learned in an apprenticeship role allow trained workers to transfer skills between domestic and military airplane manufacturers. The skills you can learn in apprenticeship are usually basic to metal working techniques rather than specific to the type of plane under construction.
Try:  The International Association of Machinists & Aerospace Workers and The Boeing Company (IAM/Boeing) offer a joint apprenticeship program to train workers and employees how to be military airplane builders on-site. The U.S. Department of Labor offers a registered apprenticeship model that the manufacturing industry utilizes. For aerospace, the apprenticeship program offers manufacturing in metal skills. The site also has career and training videos as links on left hand side of the page.

Get a college education to join the field of military plane makers

All military aviation manufacturers require a number of highly educated members on their team, from engineers to aerospace designers. These top positions with U.S. military aircraft manufacturers require a college education. America's colleges offer formal training for anyone who wants to become military jet manufacturers or military jet builders, among other things.
Try:  The University of Maryland offers an aerospace engineering program. U.S. College Search offers a list of links to the American colleges offering education in aviation management that prepares individuals for both domestic and military manufacturing management in the aerospace industry.

• Changes in the aerospace industry are constant and keeping up with changing styles and methods is a must. Consider subscribing to a magazine or website that reviews military aircraft suppliers and military aircraft parts to stay a step ahead of the competition.