By Neil Schneuker
Antoine Nicolas had a promising career as an aircraft mechanic in Connecticut. As COVID-19 continued to spread globally, reduced air traffic negatively affected the aerospace industry. A lack of job security and Connecticut’s high cost of living created uncertainty. Antoine quickly contemplated his options. He lost his job in March and began using his savings to stay afloat. His family encouraged him to move to San Antonio, which offered a lower cost of living and a support network of family and friends.
In May, Antoine made the move to San Antonio. He knew job opportunities would be limited, so he contacted Workforce Solutions Alamo (WSA). WSA provided him rental assistance and certification training to build upon his previous work experience. With the help of WSA, he will receive his Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) certification in August. Aerospace technicians with NDT certifications are in high demand.
“I don’t know what I would have done without Workforce Solutions Alamo,” says Antoine.
Recently, WSA partnered with the North East Independent School District (NEISD), San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and Hallmark University’s Aero College Head-Start Initiative to increase aerospace training capacity and build career pathways for students in San Antonio. The program offers training for high school juniors and seniors attending NEISD and SAISD and taking college-level courses approved by the Federal Aviation Administration to prepare them for a career in the aerospace industry. Upon graduating high school, students will have earned nearly half the credit hours needed to secure an aviation technician associate’s degree from Hallmark University.
If you are seeking job and career assistance, visit Workforce Solutions Alamo at www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org or call (210) 224-HELP (4357).
