Textron Aviation Establishes Tooling Apprenticeship

Textron Aviation Inc., a Textron Inc. company, WSU Tech and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) established a new collaborative apprenticeship program to address long-term production and tooling requirements for the company’s aircraft programs and help further Wichita’s status as a major aerospace cluster.

The two-year program, the first of its kind in the region,will provide students both factory and classroom training in a wide range ofskills needed to help design, build and maintain production tooling, whichcovers everything from specialized hand-held tools to large jig assembliessupporting aircraft parts and assemblies. As Textron Aviation employees,program participants will earn a full-time salary and benefits, and the companywill also cover related tuition and fees at WSU Tech.

“Textron Aviation has long been committed to buildingeducational and community partnerships that benefit both the company and theregion, particularly in developing a well-paid, skilled workforce thatmaintains our advantage in a very competitive, global market,” said MaggieTopping, senior vice president of HR and Communications at Textron Aviation.“Through the new apprenticeship program with WSU Tech, our students will getthe benefit of an advanced curriculum designed specifically for this program,as well as learn on the job from our highly skilled tradespeople.”

In a typical week under the program, the first class of 15apprentices will attend training at WSU Tech for two days and spend three dayswith assigned mentors at Textron Aviation production facilities in SouthCentral Kansas. Company mentors will be selected from the various divisionswithin the tooling department and will acquaint the apprentice with TextronAviation’s company, culture and job requirements, and will share theirknowledge and expertise.

Apprentices will rotate through the various divisions andspend time with each mentor to develop a well-rounded knowledge of thedepartment and company. Upon successful completion of the program, participantswill earn a Tooling Associates of Applied Studies (AAS) degree from WSU Techand move to full-time positions at Textron Aviation.

The specialized curriculum consists of technical studies andgeneral education courses, including mechanical design, aviation manufacturing,welding, machining and electronics. If they choose, apprentices can takeadvantage of the company’s tuition reimbursement benefit and continue theireducation following the program to earn a bachelor’s degree.