From Classrooms To Cockpits: Jet MX Builds Mechanics on the Job

Martin Cook and the apprentices at Jet MX.

Apprentice Jacob fixing a plane.

Dreaming of a career that takes flight? If working in an aircraft hangar at Goodyear Airport sounds like your kind of adventure, Jet MX offers a paid registered apprenticeship program that could be your perfect launchpad.

Jet MX is a specialized aircraft maintenance company serving general aviation and light corporate aircraft. Founded by Ashley Smith, a seasoned aviation professional with over 40 years in the industry, the company launched its apprenticeship program two years ago to offer students a powerful blend of academic instruction and real-world mechanical experience.

One of the aircrafts the apprentices are working on.

Apprentices at Jet MX are full-time, paid employees with benefits, working Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Starting pay is $21 an hour, and each apprentice receives a $2,500 stipend to purchase their own set of tools. The program includes one hour of classroom instruction and seven hours of hands-on training daily, covering subjects like math, physics, electricity, welding, composites, turbine engines, and propellers. Apprentices also prepare to earn their FAA mechanic certificate. The requirements to enter the apprenticeship are: be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or GED, be able to read, write, and speak English, and lift up to 50 lbs. The program spans three years, with the goal of transitioning graduates directly onto the Jet MX shop floor.

Martin Cook, Jet MX’s chief inspector, emphasizes the program’s unique value: “The strength in the program is the blend of both the hands-on experience with modern airplanes and academics, as typical schools don’t have much hands-on experience and only have older airplanes to work on. In addition, they put you in a massive amount of debt, while at Jet MX you're learning while working on a full-time paid position.”

Annabelle’s toolbox that Jet MX provided a stipend for her to buy.

And you don’t need prior experience to get started. “One of the things that I like highlighting about the apprenticeship program is you don't need to have any previous mechanical experience or any background in aviation. That is also something we teach. We're looking for people who have the right attitude and work ethic and really want to be involved,” stated Martin.

Jacob Cook, the program’s first graduate, has been with Jet MX for two years and says the learning curve has been steep—in the best way. “I think one of the things I've really enjoyed is just being able to work on actual jets and actual aircraft that are full flying. And so a lot of that responsibility you kind of feel, and then becoming a mechanic has just really felt like it's empowered me to really perform at a high level and really apply what I've been learning kind of all these years,” stated Jacob.

Apprentice Annabelle working on a plane.

Before joining the program, Jacob worked in IT but was craving something more hands-on. His current goal is to deepen his expertise in avionics.

Interested applicants can email their resume, school transcript, and a cover letter explaining their interest to [email protected]. After reviewing applications, Jet MX invites potential apprentices to tour the facility and shadow current apprentices for a firsthand look at the day-to-day life of an aircraft mechanic.

“Aviation maintenance is a good career. There's lots of opportunities here in the Phoenix area, especially in the West Valley for doing that. And there are opportunities to do it without large amounts of debts and good companies to work for,” said Martin in his closing statement about Jet MX.

If you or someone you know is ready to gain real hands-on experience in the workforce, visit the Arizona Registered Apprenticeship Program website for more opportunities.

Apprentice Kiera in one of the planes.

Apprentices working on a plane together.