Curriculum

What You’ll Learn at ACC

The Aerospace Career Catalyst (ACC) program is a hands-on training experience designed to introduce students to the skills, tools, processes, and workplace expectations commonly found in aerospace manufacturing.

This isn’t just classroom learning. Students will learn it, see it, and do it through instructor demonstrations, hands-on practice, projects, and real-world style training activities.

Your 11-Week Training

Once selected, students will participate in 11 consecutive weeks of training.

Approximately 160 Hours

Students progress through four core areas of aerospace training:

Structures • Composites • Electrical • Systems

Each area includes approximately 40 hours of instruction and hands-on training.

Because skills build from one class to the next, students selected for the program should be prepared to commit to the entire 11-week schedule.

Class Scheduling

ACC’s goal is to offer two classes for each training cohort to better accommodate both high school students and adult participants.

Both classes will complete the same ACC curriculum, hands-on training, and approximately 160 program hours over 11 consecutive weeks.

Exact class days and hours will be determined closer to program launch. Selected applicants will receive available scheduling information before confirming their spot in the program.

STRUCTURES

40 Hours

Start with the fundamentals of aerospace structures and assembly while learning how to safely and correctly use common tools, hardware, and processes.

Students may work on:

  • Shop and workplace safety

  • Tool identification and proper tool use

  • Basic blueprint and work instruction reading

  • Measuring and layout

  • Aerospace hardware and fastener identification

  • Drilling and hole preparation

  • Riveting and fastening

  • Basic assembly techniques

  • Inspection and quality awareness

  • Hands-on structure builds and projects

COMPOSITES

40 Hours

Learn about composite materials and how they are prepared, formed, bonded, and used in aerospace applications.

Students may work on:

  • Composite shop safety and PPE

  • Composite material identification

  • Material handling

  • Cutting and preparation

  • Basic layup techniques

  • Core materials

  • Bonding fundamentals

  • Bagging and vacuum processes

  • Basic composite repair concepts

  • Hands-on composite projects

ELECTRICAL

40 Hours

Get hands-on experience with the basic electrical skills and processes used in aerospace manufacturing.

Students may work on:

  • Electrical safety

  • Wire and component identification

  • Electrical hand tools

  • Wire stripping

  • Crimping

  • Pins and connectors

  • Wire harness fundamentals

  • Routing and securing wiring

  • Basic continuity and testing

  • Hands-on electrical projects

SYSTEMS

40 Hours

Put your developing skills together while learning how different aerospace systems, components, and assemblies work together.

Students may work on:

  • Aerospace system fundamentals

  • Component identification

  • Hardware and fittings

  • Installation practices

  • Basic mechanical systems

  • Following technical instructions

  • Inspection and quality awareness

  • Basic troubleshooting

  • Hands-on systems activities and projects

What Does a Training Day Look Like?

ACC is designed to keep students involved and working hands-on.

A typical training day may include:

LEARN
Your instructor introduces the skill, process, or system.

SEE IT
Watch an instructor demonstration and learn the correct process.

TRY IT
Practice the skill with instructor guidance.

BUILD IT
Use what you learned to complete a hands-on task or project.

REVIEW IT
Review your work, ask questions, and prepare for the next skill.

Skills Beyond the Shop

Technical ability is only part of working in aerospace.

Throughout the program, students will also practice:

Safety • Quality • Tool Control • Teamwork • Communication • Following Work Instructions • Attention to Detail • Accountability • Workplace Expectations

Our goal is to help students understand not only how to perform the work, but also what will be expected of them in a professional aerospace environment.

Attendance & Commitment

Our training builds from week to week, and space in each ACC cohort is limited.

Due to the high demand for the program, consistent attendance is required.

Students who miss 8 hours or more during the 11-week program may be subject to removal from the current cohort and may forfeit their spot in the program. Two or more tardies and/or early departures may also result in an attendance review.

Attendance concerns and extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by ACC Board Members on a case-by-case basis before a final decision is made regarding continued participation in the program.

Applicants should only accept a position in the program if they are prepared to commit to:

11 Consecutive Weeks
Approximately 160 Hours

Withdrawal After the Program Begins

Space in each ACC cohort is limited, and each selected student is taking a spot that could otherwise be offered to another applicant. We ask applicants to carefully consider the 11-week commitment before accepting their place in the program.

Students who accept a position, begin training, and voluntarily withdraw before completing the program may not be eligible to apply for or participate in a future ACC cohort.

Future eligibility will be determined by ACC Board Members on a case-by-case basis. Documented emergencies or other extenuating circumstances may be considered during the review.

Students who know they are unable to participate are encouraged to notify ACC before the cohort begins so the position may be offered to another applicant.

Completing the Program

Students who successfully complete the ACC training program will receive an ACC Program Completion Certificate.

Students will also receive support preparing for their next step, which may include:

  • Resume assistance

  • Interview preparation

  • Aerospace career guidance

  • Information about local industry opportunities

  • Potential employer and industry connections

ACC provides training and career preparation; completion of the program does not guarantee employment or placement with an aerospace company.

Ready to Get Started?

Applications Open November 1, 2026

Applicants must be at least 16 years old.

Applicants under 18 will require parent or legal guardian consent and completed authorization documentation if selected for the program.

Our first ACC training cohorts begin in 2027.

Fueling Futures in the High Desert.

Apply at aerocc.org