ExpressJet's closure threatens SUSLA student employment partnership

SHREVEPORT, LA (KSLA) - The student employment pipeline partnership between ExpressJet Airlines and Southern University at Shreveport's Aerospace Technology Center used to be on solid ground as recently as October. Nowadays, the feeling is different.

"So far, the students who have graduated from this program have been hired by ExpressJet. No one has been turned away," Instructor Timothy Gates told KSLA News 12 back on October 7.

"This industry is basically built upon trust more than anything else," said Green Oaks High School Senior Ernest Nichols as he toured the center on that day.

Ever since ExpressJet officials announced last week that it would close its doors in Shreveport, there's a new feeling at SUSLA.

"It was extremely disappointing," SUSLA Chancellor Dr. Rodney Ellis said. "We've been working closely with them."

ExpressJet announced the closure of its Shreveport maintenance bay to be slated for June 2017, risking the jobs of their 286 workers including Southern's alumni.

According to Ellis, many of the 20 annual graduates from the Aerospace Technology Center's two-year program would go to work for ExpressJet.

"At least 50 percent would probably go to ExpressJet so I'm thinking anywhere from 5-10 a year would actually be employed by ExpressJet," he said.

Gates told KSLA News 12 back in October that ExpressJet hired 25 SUSLA aviation graduates in the nine years he's been teaching at the college's aviation maintenance program.

The closure caught the attention of Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.

"Obviously, it is a kick in the gut anytime that happens because as recently as earlier this year they indicated that they were going to be staying and growing," Gov. Edwards said. "The Workforce Commission's gonna be up to try to make sure that we're working with those individuals to redirect them into other job opportunities."

With the partnership between ExpressJet and SUSLA seemingly on its last legs, Dr. Ellis said they're investing more than a million dollars into it over the next few years. He said they're also anticipating to learn over the next few weeks whether or not they will win a competitive federal grant for more funding.

Ellis pointed out SUSLA's Aerospace Technology program has been in existence since 1991 and thrived for years before ExpressJet arrived in 2003. He said it will continue to provide quality training for the community for years to come.

According to Ellis, Delta Airlines has recently reached out to SUSLA about a possible partnership to continue ensuring success for their students.

"We have a top-of-the-line aviation program here in the area that can supply you with your skilled workforce," said Ellis.

ExpressJet confirmed last week they're closing down the Shreveport bay to consolidate the company at its Knoxville, TN bay which, according to KSLA News 12's sister Raycom station in that area, is expecting to see more employees.

However, the futures of employees at the Shreveport location are still up in the air.

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