Soaring High with Apprenticeship: MWAA Visits Edison Academy

By Tisa Frederick
March 21, 2024

Calling all future tradespeople! The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) recently visited Edison Academy on March 18th and 19th to talk about amazing apprenticeship opportunities. Here's a breakdown of what they offered:

13 Apprenticeship Tracks Available:

  • Locksmithing
  • Auto Body
  • Facility Maintenance
  • Electrical (Interior & Exterior)
  • Automatic EM
  • Heavy Equipment Mechanic
  • Heavy Equipment Electrician
  • Plumbing
  • HVAC-R
  • Welding
  • Carpentry
  • Electronic Technicians
  • Metal Fabrication

Meet the Speakers:

  • Robin Wade, Manager, Labor and Employee Relations 
  • Crystal Thrower, Employee Relations Specialist
  • Joseph Sosa, Human Resources Generalist
  • Omar, 3-Year Electrical Apprentice at Dulles Airport (Edison Academy Graduate!)
  • Kareem, 2- Year Electrical Apprentice at Dulles Airport

Why Choose MWAA's Apprenticeship Program?

  • Debt-Free Education: They pay for your entire apprenticeship, including classes and materials! Plus, you get a laptop.
  • Earn While You Learn: Get paid while gaining valuable hands-on experience in shops and on job sites.
  • Benefits Galore: Enjoy health insurance, dental, prescriptions, paid leave, and more!
  • Career Growth: Salary increases every 6 months, and upon graduation, you'll be a certified professional with a rewarding career.

Program Details:

  • Open to applicants 18 and over with a valid driver's license, diploma/GED, and a CTE course.
  • Requires an FBI background check, drug test and physical.
  • Entry-level pay starts at $18.50-$21 per hour.
  • Apprenticeships typically last 4 years and require 8,000 hours of work.
  • MWAA offers NCCER-certified programs, ensuring you meet industry standards.
  • They even provide soft skills training, including communication, email etiquette, and public speaking.

What MWAA Does:

The MWAA operates Reagan National Airport (DCA) and Dulles International Airport (IAD), including the Dulles Toll Road. They have a variety of occupations, in Public Safety, Engineering, Maintenance, Finance, Procurement, IT, Legal, Human Resources and more!

A Day in the Life of an Apprentice:

Imagine working alongside a mentor in a state-of-the-art shop, tackling real-world projects. You might be maintaining airfield lighting, fixing heavy machinery, or installing intricate HVAC systems. Classes are held in the evenings for your convenience.

Inspired by Edison Academy Graduates & Others:

Omar, a 2-year Electrical Apprentice at Dulles Airport, is a proud Edison Academy graduate. He works on mobile lounges, a unique opportunity only available at Dulles!

Kareem, 2-year Electrical Apprentice at Dulles Airport, and also a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps

Ready to Take Flight?

If you're passionate about a skilled trade and want a debt-free path to a fulfilling career, the MWAA apprenticeship program could be your perfect launchpad! Visit the MWAA careers page at https://mwaa.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MWAA to learn more and apply!