Accelerating Careers: The Power of Short-Term Skills Training in Aerospace Manufacturing
The aerospace sector is rebounding, with global revenues reaching $ 829 billion in 2023— an 11 percent increase over the previous year and $ 71 billion just in Washington State. This sector supported 194,000 jobs, delivered $ 19.4 billion in income to Washington employees, and contributed more than $ 580 million in state tax revenue. Yet production continues to be held back by a shortage of qualified workers. That’ s where short-term programs come in: they’ re designed to quickly equip individuals with high-demand, job-ready skills in a matter of weeks or months.
Matt Pois
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Washington Aerospace Training & Research Center( WATR)
Contact Information:
Edmonds College 3008 100th St SW, Everett, WA 98204
Office: 425.267.5770 Email: matt. poischbeg @ edmonds. edu https:// watrcenter. edmonds. edu
Here in Washington State, the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center( AMSC) and the Washington Aerospace Training & Research( WATR) Center, both programs of Edmonds College, are leading this charge. Our programs are created in direct partnership with industry leaders to ensure students are learning what employers actually need— whether in manufacturing assembly, electrical assembly, composites, quality assurance, or tooling.
Graduates who earn two professional-level certificates, leave prepared to walk into production environments with confidence. They’ re able to secure entry-level jobs within aerospace— or other similar industry roles— that can lead to living-wage careers. For those seeking to continue their education, Edmonds College offers stackable certificates and degrees in materials engineering and applied science— bridging short-term training with long-term career growth. These include robotics, CNC machining, engineering design, and more.
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