Local colleges get federal boost for aerospace training
EVERETT -- $1.5 million in federal stimulus money is going to a few local community colleges and their aerospace training programs.
Thousands of workers are going to be retiring in the next 4 to 5 years, which is why Gov. Chris Gregoire says it's so important to train new workers coming in.
"It's about hard work, it's about innovation it's about a smart investment," Gregoire said.
Forty percent of the $1.5 million will be used to develop aerospace centers at community colleges in Everett and Spokane.
"There are 44 different subjects in the curriculum," she said.
The rest of it will replace old equipment and help get more high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and math.
"We use the inspiration of flight, the awe, the uplifting spirit of flight to help young people connect the dots," said Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, a former astronaut and now with the Museum of Flight.
Kelly Norton is a veteran who's worked around aircraft before.
"Skilled trade is falling behind in the industry in the United States and I think it's a great idea," Norton said. "It should be done a lot more."
When he graduates, Norton says he'll be able to work on any aircraft - anywhere, but Gregorie thinks Washington will stand above the competition.
"We're rated as one of the best states in the nation, most livable states in the nation," Gregoire said. "South Carolina rated number 49. You want to live there or you want to live here?"
South Carolina is in the running for Boeing's second 787 assembly line. The company hasn't made a decision yet on where it will build that line.
Thousands of workers are going to be retiring in the next 4 to 5 years, which is why Gov. Chris Gregoire says it's so important to train new workers coming in.
"It's about hard work, it's about innovation it's about a smart investment," Gregoire said.
Forty percent of the $1.5 million will be used to develop aerospace centers at community colleges in Everett and Spokane.
"There are 44 different subjects in the curriculum," she said.
The rest of it will replace old equipment and help get more high school students interested in science, technology, engineering and math.
"We use the inspiration of flight, the awe, the uplifting spirit of flight to help young people connect the dots," said Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, a former astronaut and now with the Museum of Flight.
Kelly Norton is a veteran who's worked around aircraft before.
"Skilled trade is falling behind in the industry in the United States and I think it's a great idea," Norton said. "It should be done a lot more."
When he graduates, Norton says he'll be able to work on any aircraft - anywhere, but Gregorie thinks Washington will stand above the competition.
"We're rated as one of the best states in the nation, most livable states in the nation," Gregoire said. "South Carolina rated number 49. You want to live there or you want to live here?"
South Carolina is in the running for Boeing's second 787 assembly line. The company hasn't made a decision yet on where it will build that line.