Fawne
Fawne joined the Air Force after she graduated high school. She worked as a licensed C-17 Aircraft mechanic in the Air Force for four years until her honorable discharge. After leaving the Air Force, Fawne continued her education to earn her Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license. She wanted to become a pilot and enrolled in flight and management courses in the Aviation Program at Southern Illinois University (SIUC) in Carbondale, Illinois.
After receiving her A&P license, Fawne applied for employment at Crucial MRO in Murphysboro, Illinois. In November 2022, she enrolled in the Apprenticeship Program through Man-Tra-Con with assistance from Apprenticeship and Special Grants Coordinator Erica Travelstead, and began working part-time at Crucial MRO as an apprentice mechanic while going to school at SIUC.
As a participant in the Apprenticeship Program, Fawne was able to use her aviation training, plus learn additional skills on the job while being employed at Crucial. Fawne was also able to receive financial assistance to help pay for the tools, and supplies she needed to perform her job.
“I received a Craftsman tool box and sockets, and pretty much everything you need for tools, just to start out. It was a smooth process. It helps me do my job every day, and I’m really thankful!” Fawne exclaims.
Fawn offers advice to future participants, “If it works outs for you… I would say definitely do it! There’s nothing to lose really.”
Fawne is currently working at Crucial MRO as a mechanic, and is scheduled to graduate from the SIUC Aviation program in May of 2025. “When I moved here, I didn’t have any tools yet, but was a licensed mechanic. This opportunity has saved me a lot of money and time and I am very thankful for this grant opportunity. I was in the Air Force for four years as a C-17 Aircraft mechanic. When I was honorably discharged, I took my exams to get my Airframe and Powerplant license. I moved to Southern Illinois to go to school to be a pilot and now I also work at Crucial MRO using my A&P license. I love airplanes and am thankful every day that I get to work on them and fly them,” Fawne explains.
“Thank you for this opportunity to help further my career and education,” Fawne says.