Apprentices graduate from GE Aerospace Rutland program

Nine apprentices graduated from the Advanced Machinist | Toolmaker Apprentice Program at GE Aerospace’s site in Rutland, Vermont, after three years of learning machining and manufacturing skills while attending technical classes.

This year’s graduating class marks the 50th anniversary of the Rutland apprenticeship program. More than 348 individuals have graduated since the program’s inception, giving local residents the opportunity to gain a good-paying manufacturing job.

“Through a combination of hands-on learning and fully subsidized classes, our apprentices have the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the workforce. They are the future of GE Aerospace and Rutland,” said Dan Shelley, site leader for GE Aerospace’s Rutland site which produces compressor blades and vanes for almost every jet engine in GE Aerospace’s product line.

A ceremony with the apprentices, their families, and site leaders celebrated the milestone. All graduates will continue in full-time positions.

“Being able to further our education free of cost and lay the groundwork for career advancement – all while simultaneously earning a living – has been such a beneficial opportunity,” said Cassidy Yrsha, one of the graduates. “I hope to continue expanding on the foundation our mentors have helped us build.”

“The apprenticeship was incredibly rewarding,” said Ethan Pieper, another graduate. “I’ve learned so much, not just about machining but about leadership, collaboration, and work ethic. I cannot wait for what is ahead.”

GE Aerospace pays for the 14 classes of instruction apprentices receive through Vermont State University. Concurrently, apprentices gain 6,000 hours of on-the-job training at the Rutland site. Mentors with decades of experience guide the apprentices in building expertise in highly technical machining practices and skills with foundational manufacturing equipment. Rutland’s apprenticeship program supports GE Aerospace’s long-term efforts to strengthen the manufacturing talent pipeline and invest in GE Aerospace employees.

“Kids and adults alike can look at these graduates and see a clear pathway to building an amazing career in manufacturing right here in Rutland. We are grateful that GE Aerospace continues to invest in our people and community through this apprenticeship program,” said Lyle Jepson, executive director of the Chamber & Economic Development of the Rutland Region.

Rutland also offers additional structured training programs that include credited classes. These programs include a Maintenance Apprentice Program as well as technical Masters programs, where individuals can gain advanced skills in automation technology programming, inspection technology, and numerical control programming.

The Rutland apprenticeship programs are some of many skills training efforts GE Aerospace offers across its U.S. and global operations. In 2024, more than 800 individuals will take part in a GE Aerospace program or sponsored effort for individuals to gain skills needed in aerospace manufacturing.

Earlier this year, GE Aerospace announced plans to invest $24.9 million into the Rutland site. The investment will go for new equipment, machines, and tooling support to increase production of commercial aircraft engines, along with military and fighters jet engines.