As National Apprenticeship Week 2026 approaches, the spotlight shines on Airbus Helicopters in Columbus, MS and its commitment to building a robust, local workforce. In less than a year, the Airbus Registered Apprenticeship program has transformed from a strategic goal into a thriving community of skilled technicians.
The Mission: “Why Not Train Our Own?”
For Airbus Helicopters, the apprenticeship program was born out of two vital needs: providing a bridge to the community and solving a specialized labor shortage.
“We wanted to provide people in our community with a career opportunity,” says Airbus Helicopters Inc.’s HR Training Manager, Reggie Thornton. “Not all high school graduates want the college route. For those who want to start an aviation career now, we’re saying: ‘Here is an opportunity. We’re going to pay for your General Aviation certification, train you, and set you on your path with Airbus right now.'”
Facing a shortage of aircraft technicians in the area, Airbus took the lead. Instead of searching for talent, they decided to build it. “Why not train our own and get them in here as quickly as possible?”
Early Stages, Massive Growth
Though the program is not yet a year old, it is already exceeding expectations. The “Original Nine” apprentices have performed exceptionally, paving the way for a massive surge in interest. For the upcoming second class, Airbus received more than twice the number of applications as last year—a testament to the program’s growing reputation as a premier career pathway.
Voices from the Hangar: The Apprentices
The program’s success is best told through the stories of those on the hangar floor. The inaugural cohort represents a diverse mix of backgrounds, proving that the “right fit” for aviation can come from anywhere.
The Career Changer: Ashley Moody
At 37, Ashley was already taking cabling classes when she heard about the apprenticeship. For her, the “why” was about speed and immersion.
“It was a great opportunity to jump into the aviation field and get real-life experience right away instead of being in a classroom for years. It’s been great to learn at the moment with my lead teaching me exactly how to do something instead of reading it in a book.”
Ashley’s favorite task? Building wiring harnesses—the “nervous system” of the helicopter—and ensuring every detail is airworthy.
The Future-Builder: Hunter Gregg
Hunter joined the program for the stability it offers his family and the unique bond it creates with his teammates. He credits the Airbus “3-Step Rule” (Watch, Collaborate, Master) for his rapid growth.
“In an apprenticeship, you are pretty much guaranteed a job in a field that really no one knows how to do, so it sets you up for success. Airbus wants to see you grow not just as an employee, but as a person.”
The Mission-Driven Veteran: Lemadrick Macon
Lemadrick holds a degree and has served in the military, but he knew his ultimate goal was aviation. The apprenticeship provided the specific technical polish his previous education didn’t cover.
“I am surprised about how everything is in great detail and how professional the end result is. The coolest thing is when the job is completed, seeing that aircraft fly away, and seeing the smile on the customer’s face.”
The addition of these apprentices has done more than just fill labor gaps; it has revitalized the Airbus Helicopters culture. The team describes the influx of new talent as “refreshing.” These apprentices bring an energy and gratitude that is contagious.
“They all really want to be here, they work hard, and they want to do things the right way,” the Airbus team shares. “They fit right into our culture!”
As Airbus looks toward its second cohort, the message is clear: Registered Apprenticeship is a workforce solution that changes lives and strengthens the aviation industry for years to come.