New Aerospace Training Center Includes Hands-On Fastener Courses
FEATURE
The Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center opened in Everett, WA.
Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center students get a lesson in aluminum drilling techniques. (Photo courtesy Snohomish County Business Journal)
The Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center opened to 15 students in Everett, WA.
Starting in July, students in an 18.5-credit aerospace assembly mechanic certificate course will study “basic drilling and riveting” and “reaming and permanent fasteners” among such courses as “fuselage skin assembly.”
The center is a joint effort between the Aerospace Futures Alliance and Edmonds Community College, which will provide oversight and coordinate training curriculum with industry input.
Boeing has also played a role in the center’s creation by donating more than $2.5 million worth of tools, materials and equipment.
The center has also received substantial public investment. Washington State awarded a $1.75 million appropriation to open the facility and start worker training. The federal government kicked in a $600,000 appropriation, and the Washington State Department of Commerce awarded the center a $250,000 Innovation Partnership Zone designation.
The center will serve the state’s 650 aerospace companies that employ 120,000 workers.
The first dozen instructors are subject-matter experts, mostly retired Boeing workers with thorough knowledge of airframes and powerplants.
“These guys are top of the line,” stated center director Larry Cluphf.
The center committed itself to being industry-focused and responsive to their workforce needs. We offer flexible training opportunities that meet the fast pace of the aerospace industry. Our services are driven by workforce supply and demand. Courses will be offered on 1st, 2nd and 3rd shift, as well as weekends.
Classes in aerospace certificates will be stackable in format allowing students the opportunity to enhance their skills and obtain college credit.
Training will be delivered through grounded, hybrid, and online formats, either at the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center, statewide community colleges, at the industry site or through distance learning venues.
The center is located in a renovated 15,000 square foot facility at 3008 100th St. SW in Everett. A smaller center is planned for Spokane.
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