Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aerospace Career Catalyst?
Aerospace Career Catalyst (ACC) is a nonprofit organization focused on providing hands-on aerospace skills training in the High Desert. Our goal is to help participants develop practical skills that can prepare them to pursue opportunities within the aerospace industry.
What will I learn?
ACC's training program is designed around four primary areas:
Structures • Composites • Electrical • Systems
Training combines instruction with hands-on practice so participants can learn skills and then apply what they've learned in a practical setting.
Do I need previous aerospace experience?
No. Our program is designed to introduce participants to aerospace-related skills and provide hands-on experience. Previous aerospace experience is not required to apply.
How long is the training program?
Our planned program consists of approximately 160 hours of training across Structures, Composites, Electrical, and Systems. A cohort is expected to run approximately 11 weeks.
Program schedules may vary by cohort.
Where will training take place?
ACC is based in the High Desert/Antelope Valley area of Southern California. Specific training locations and cohort details will be provided to accepted participants.
Who can apply?
ACC plans to serve individuals interested in developing skills for aerospace careers, including veterans, adults entering or re-entering the workforce, and high school juniors and seniors preparing for their next step.
Specific eligibility requirements will be provided when applications open.
Are veterans eligible?
Yes. Supporting veterans interested in transitioning or building skills for aerospace careers is an important part of ACC's mission.
How many students are in each class?
We plan to begin with small cohorts of approximately six students, allowing instructors to provide more individualized support during hands-on training.
As ACC grows, future cohort sizes may change.
How much does the program cost?
There is no cost to students who are accepted into the ACC training program.
Because space is limited, participation is not automatic. Prospective students must complete the ACC application process and be accepted into the program before enrolling in a training cohort.
Acceptance is based on the application and selection process, as well as available space in each cohort.
When will applications open?
ACC is currently preparing for its first upcoming cohort in 2027 (TBD). Applications will open on November 1, 2026 and enrollment information will be announced on our website and social media.
How does the application process work?
Our planned process includes an application, review by ACC, an applicant interview, and completion of program requirements prior to enrollment.
Additional instructions will be provided when applications open.
Is drug screening required?
Yes. Participants accepted into the program will be required to complete a drug screening as part of the enrollment process.
Will I receive a certificate?
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive an ACC certificate of completion recognizing completion of the training program.
Is ACC an FAA certification program?
No. ACC's program provides hands-on aerospace skills training and an ACC certificate of completion. It should not be confused with an FAA-issued certification or license.
Does completing the program guarantee me a job?
No. ACC cannot guarantee employment.
Our goal is to provide participants with practical training, industry exposure, resume support, and information about potential aerospace career opportunities.
Will ACC help me find a job?
ACC plans to help participants prepare for their next steps through resume assistance, career guidance, and potential industry leads or connections when available.
Employment decisions are ultimately made by individual employers.
What kinds of careers could this training help prepare me for?
The skills taught through ACC may be relevant to entry-level opportunities in areas such as aerospace assembly, manufacturing, structures, composites, electrical work, and systems-related positions.
Job titles and employer requirements vary.
Who teaches the classes?
ACC's instructors and board members bring more than 60 years of combined aerospace experience to the organization. Training is designed around practical knowledge and hands-on skills informed by real aerospace industry experience.
Supporting ACC
Can I donate to Aerospace Career Catalyst?
Yes. ACC welcomes support from individuals, businesses, and community partners who want to help expand hands-on aerospace training opportunities in the High Desert.
Can businesses donate tools, materials, or equipment?
Yes! In-kind donations can be extremely valuable to our training program.
Depending on our current needs, ACC may accept items such as tools, aerospace materials, aluminum and composite materials, fasteners, wire harnesses, equipment, training components, and other supplies that can be used for hands-on instruction.
Please contact us at r.lansberg@aerocc.org before delivering materials so we can determine whether they can be used by the program.
Can an aerospace company partner with ACC?
Yes. We welcome conversations with aerospace companies, local businesses, schools, veterans' organizations, workforce development programs, and other community partners.
Partnerships may include material or equipment donations, industry involvement, workforce connections, sponsorships, or other forms of support.
Can I volunteer with ACC?
Volunteer opportunities will depend on the needs of each program and cohort. Contact ACC if you're interested in volunteering or contributing your professional experience.
Still Have Questions?
We'd love to hear from you.
Visit our Contact page to ask about training, applications, donations, partnerships, or other ways to get involved or email r.lansberg@aerocc.org
Fueling Futures in the High Desert.
