VTP Supports Heritage Aviation Certifications and Apprenticeships
South Burlington, Vt. – Heritage Aviation, an employee-owned aviation services company, was recently awarded over $13,000 through the Vermont Training Program (VTP).
The grant funding will be used to support Heritage Aviation’s professional development program, grow its maintenance department, and promote safety. Those that are enrolled in its maintenance apprenticeship program (MAP) will be given the opportunity to obtain an airframe and powerplant (A&P) certification. This will provide a new career path for these employees and allows them to “learn and earn” the certification instead of going back to school.
Through VTP, Heritage’s maintenance department will also learn about and service new aircraft types. For this training, the maintenance department will receive an 80-hour interactive instruction, which focuses on troubleshooting and repairing issues for Cirrus aircraft systems. Lastly, the grant funding will be used to certify employees in Aviation Ground Safety and Aviation Program Safety Management. These trainings are beneficial as they improve workplace efficiency and mitigate workplace injuries.
“Our Maintenance Apprentice Program (MAP) is a great example of how professional development benefits the employee, company and State. The MAP program allows for an individual to gain new skills, the company benefits by developing future Aviation Maintenance Technicians and the State benefits by keeping individuals in Vermont,” said Vicki Parrella, Human Resources Director.
“We truly appreciate the support of the State and believe that they have made an excellent investment in Vermont," said David Stiller, President of Heritage Aviation.
“Professional development helps companies and Vermont’s workforce grow in tandem and it is great to see the Vermont Training Program aid that development,” said Agency of Commerce and Community Development Secretary Lindsay Kurrle. “Heritage was voted as one of the best places to work in Vermont in 2019, and they show strong interest in providing both professional growth and economic opportunities to its employees.”
Founded in 1984, Heritage Aviation provides maintenance, avionics, and fixed base operations (FBOs) for aircrafts from Burlington International Airport. Rated the #1 FBO in all New England, the company prides itself on being responsive to customers’ needs and provide an excellent, unmatched service experience. Heritage also prides itself on social responsibility and transparency, with the company becoming 100% employee owned in 2015, and becoming a Vermont Benefit Corporation in 2018.
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About the Vermont Training Program (VTP)
The Vermont Training Program is administered by the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development, Department of Economic Development. It is a workforce development program to enhance the skills of the Vermont workforce and increase productivity of Vermont employers; grants may cover up to 50 percent of the training cost which can either be on-site or through a training provider/vendor. For more information on VTP, visit http://accd.vermont.gov/economic-development/funding-incentives/vtp.
About the Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development
The Vermont Agency of Commerce and Community Development’s (ACCD) mission is to help Vermonters improve their quality of life and build strong communities. ACCD accomplishes this mission by providing grants, technical assistance, and advocacy through three divisions: The Department of Economic Development, the Department of Tourism and Marketing, and the Department of Housing and Community Development. For more information on ACCD please visit: https://accd.vermont.gov/.