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CONTACT SCBJ Kurt Batdorf, Editor kbatdorf@scbj.com

Aerospace training center nearing readiness

By John Wolcott -
SCBJ Editor

Training the next generation of aerospace workers could get a boost soon with the opening of a new Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center at Paine Field this spring.

Washington state allocated $1.5 million of discretionary federal funds last fall for two new training centers, one in Everett and another in Spokane.

Funds totaling around $450,000 were destined for the Paine Field center. Also, the state’s Department of Commerce contributed $250,000 for fixing and upgrading late last year.

That’s exactly what’s been happening at Paine Field where an empty facility is being modernized into a training center for future aerospace workers.

The center is part of the state’s effort to keep Boeing and other firms supplied with a trained workforce as thousands of long-time Boeing workers are retiring over the coming decade. Within a few weeks, students are expected to be settling into classrooms to begin their training.

Jerrilee Mosier, vice president of work force development at Edmonds Community College, said the center has received strong support, although funding has so far come from primarily from federal sources. The state Legislature is expected to provide support soon, too.

Once the center is operatiing, it’s expected to be financed by fees from aerospace companies and tuition from students, she said.

Courses will cover training and topics not already covered by community colleges or universities. Aviation Technical Services, which repairs and overhauls airliners at its Paine Field facilities, has asked for courses in metal bonding and other firms want training in the drilling of composite materials. Some coursework also will be offered online.