As the aviation industry continues to face a growing need for skilled technical talent, programs like the Department of War’s SkillBridge initiative are helping create meaningful pathways for service members transitioning into civilian careers. Since becoming an authorized SkillBridge participant in 2022, Pro Star has continued to build that commitment through hands-on training opportunities in aviation maintenance and avionics. As interest in the program continues to grow nationwide, General Manager Sean Peterson has fostered Pro Star’s role in creating meaningful pathways into business aviation.

“The SkillBridge program gives service members the chance to gain real-world experience before officially entering the civilian workforce,” Sean explains. “It helps to bridge the gap between military service and a long-term civilian career.”

The program connects transitioning service members with civilian employers through internship-style training during their final months of military service. While SkillBridge spans industries from IT to healthcare, Pro Star’s focus is on technical training within the aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) environment. At Pro Star, interns gain exposure to both aircraft maintenance and installation work. This dual-department approach gives participants a broader understanding of aircraft systems while helping them identify where their skills and interests align.

“They’re learning how to read wiring schematics and structural drawings, perform equipment installations, and understand how aircraft systems integrate,” Sean says. “On the maintenance side, they’re also working alongside experienced A&Ps and gaining exposure to inspections, component replacement, and the fundamentals of aircraft maintenance.”

Throughout the internship process, participants document their hands-on experience, building records that may help support future FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification pathways. For some, the SkillBridge program becomes a direct launchpad into full-time aviation careers.

One such success story is Dylan Magoon, who joined Pro Star through SkillBridge after six years performing aviation maintenance in the U.S. Air Force. Although he had already accumulated the hands-on experience required to pursue his FAA Airframe and Powerplant certification, military service had not given him the opportunity to complete the testing process. After transitioning into a full-time role with Pro Star Aviation in 2025, Dylan earned his A&P certificate and continues to build his career as a member of the company’s maintenance team. 

At the same time, other participants have used the experience to solidify their long-term goals. Some have gone on to pursue additional education or flight training, while others have moved into different roles entirely. 

“That’s part of what makes SkillBridge so valuable,” Sean notes. “For some, it confirms that aviation is exactly where they want to be. For others, it can help to clarify what comes next for them.”

Interest in Pro Star’s SkillBridge opportunities has more than doubled over the past year, reflecting the growing visibility of the program and the strong demand for technical career pathways in aviation. Even as participation increases, Pro Star intentionally limits the number of interns accepted at one time to ensure that each participant receives both meaningful mentorship and practical, firsthand expertise. 

“We really want to maintain the quality of the training,” Sean says. “Our main objective is to provide a true learning experience.”

Interns are fully integrated into Pro Star’s professional environment from day one. From there, they complete the same onboarding process as full-time employees, including FAA and DOT compliance requirements, OSHA training, repair station indoctrination, and technical orientation. 

“We want this to feel like a real job,” Sean explains. “The goal is to give them an authentic picture of what a civilian aviation career truly looks like.”

As business aviation continues to experience workforce shortages, the DoW’s SkillBridge program is helping to create new pathways into the industry. For Pro Star, participation in this program is about more than just recruitment. It’s a real opportunity to invest in skilled service members as they transition into civilian life while helping to strengthen the future of aviation maintenance. 

Learn more about the SkillBridge program here: https://www.skillbridge.mil/