AAR hosts collaborative workforce development discussion, shares insights with U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor

U.S. Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling (third from left) presents AAR team member Nicolas Alvarez (fourth from left) an apprenticeship program certificate of completion on February 19, 2026, at AAR’s Airframe MRO facility in Miami. Leaders from AAR join the celebration of the apprenticeship program’s success prior to hosting a roundtable discussion on developing the national workforce through apprenticeships.

Wood Dale, Illinois — AAR CORP., a leading provider of aviation services to commercial and government operators, MROs, and OEMs, today hosted United States Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling and various stakeholders at AAR’s Airframe MRO – Miami facility for a roundtable discussion to further develop the national workforce through apprenticeships.

During the visit, Deputy Secretary Sonderling toured AAR’s Airframe MRO facility in Miami and met with apprentices, learning about their background, experience, and aspirations, as well as AAR’s operations. AAR, along with other MROs, airlines, education entities, and nonprofits shared collaborative approaches to creating apprenticeship opportunities and modernizing workforce development programs. 

“Getting first-hand knowledge of AAR’s program, meeting with staff, and talking with apprentices about their work in the aerospace industry was inspiring and insightful,” said Deputy Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling. “The demand for highly-trained technicians is surging, and ensuring that we have a deep bench of skilled labor is crucial to American aviation dominance and safety. Private-sector apprenticeship programs are key partners in accomplishing the Administration’s goal of achieving one million active apprentices.” 

The roundtable discussion was planned to advance a 2025 executive order to “unlock the limitless potential of the American worker” through apprenticeships that lead to opportunities for high-paying, skilled trade jobs.

Across the Company’s network, AAR presently has 70 team members enrolled in its apprenticeship program that is approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. This is part of AAR’s EAGLE Career Pathway program that focuses on creating a talent pipeline for the aviation industry.

“AAR leadership has been in conversations with the U.S. Department of Labor to highlight opportunities to meet ongoing labor demands in the aviation industry through additional apprenticeship programs, like that of AAR. Our highly successful approach to building a workforce pipeline helps meet the talent needs across our global network and supports the broader industry,” said Ryan Goertzen, AAR’s Vice President of Workforce Development. “Today’s conversation is a great next step toward strengthening available apprenticeships across the country.” 

For more information on AAR’s EAGLE Career Pathway program, visit aarcorp.com/en/careers/students/.

About AAR
AAR is a global aerospace and defense aftermarket solutions company with operations in over 20 countries. Headquartered in the Chicago area, AAR supports commercial and government customers through four operating segments: Parts Supply, Repair & Engineering, Integrated Solutions, and Expeditionary Services. Additional information can be found at aarcorp.com.

About U.S. Department of Labor
The U.S. Department of Labor is responsible for administering and enforcing more than 180 federal laws that cover workplace activities for about 165 million workers and 11 million workplaces. The U.S. Department of Labor is designed to foster, promote, and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers, and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.

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