AAR is looking for 30 new mechanics September to work in its jet-repair hub at Chicago-Rockford International Airport.
The company held a job fair yesterday aimed at increasing its Rockford staff to 150. AAR officials, including facility manager Wayne Jamroz, said United Airlines and AeroMexico have used the Rockford facility, and it eventually will employ at least 500 workers, and possibly up to a thousand.
However, Jamroz noted the repair hub must first build up its reputation to attract more long-term customers. He claims airlines view new facilities as a risk until they can prove themselves competent at jet repair. Once that breakthrough happens, Jamroz says they can expand hiring to at least 5oo workers.
The Register Star reports that The Workforce Connection, a collection of state and federal training programs, is offering scholarships for job retraining in these sorts of manufacturing fields.
