Advanced Manufacturing Training & Education Center ( AMTEC )
Everett Community College not only the hosts the Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing COE , it also exposes students to the full manufacturing cycle of degrees and certificates from its modern 54,000 square foot AMTEC , and its Aviation Maintenance Technology and Advanced Avionics programs housed in 48,000 square feet of space at the Snohomish County Airport . Students learn from knowledgeable and experienced instructors , tapping into up-todate curriculum and utilizing software and tools provided in part through private company donations .
Washington Aerospace Training & Research Center ( WATRC )
The WATR Center is managed by Edmonds Community College through an operating agreement with the Aerospace Futures Alliance ( AFA ). Originally opening in 2010 as an educational resource for careers in the aerospace and manufacturing industry , WATRC is all about providing innovative and relevant aerospace courses of study to meet the demands of the fast-paced industry . The center offers several educational programs in aerospace manufacturing , tooling , and composites — designed to provide students the highest quality skills necessary for high-paying jobs in the shortest amount of time .
Aerospace Apprenticeship and Journeyman Training
SCC ’ s alternative offering is through their Apprenticeship and Journeyman Training Center , that works directly with the Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee . This committee offers on-the-job training to students that may not have the luxury of , or desire for , being a full-time student and prefer to learn while earning a wage .
Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee ( AJAC )
Washington State devised a plan with the implementation of AJAC in 2008 , to leverage the years of experience , valuable knowledge , and skills of the current workforce , into training the next generation . AJAC is a statewide , nonprofit aerospace and advanced manufacturing apprenticeship program with designed apprenticeships for :
1 . Aircraft Machinist 2 . Aircraft Mechanic Airframe 3 . Precision Metal Fabricator 4 . Tool and Die Maker 5 . Industrial Maintenance Mechanic 6 . Plastic Process Technician
Aviation Maintenance Technology ( AMT )
Community Colleges of Spokane , Washington ’ s largest community college , offers a dual-fold approach by tapping into two different program offerings . Spokane Community College ( SCC ), one of CCS ’ s two Spokane schools , is home of an established FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technology program that provides Airframe Maintenance , General Aircraft Maintenance and Powerplant Maintenance certifications . The program is in two hangars at Felts Field Airport , allowing for rare hands-on experience in a live setting . The school also offers additional courses in manufacturing , composites , electronics / avionics , aircraft maintenance , welding , CNC machining , and sheet metal .
The apprenticeships encourage employers to enroll existing workers in programs as a long-term training plan , and to offer students a hands-on learning opportunity . AJAC ’ s participants not only obtain journey-level certification as master tradespersons , but also have an opportunity to achieve an associate ’ s degree that can transfer into four-year degree programs .
Advanced Technology and Manufacturing Institute
Oregon State University has a focus on Mechanical , Aerospace , Industrial , and Manufacturing Engineering graduate and undergraduate programs . Oregon may be peripheral to the workforce demands of its neighbors to the North , but it still feels the shock wave requiring a workforce skilled in industrial mechanical and manufacturing technologies .
12 NORTHWEST AEROSPACE NEWS