The Power of Partnership:
BUILDING PATHWAYS FOR WASHINGTON’ S AEROSPACE FUTURE
By Jill Thornton— Center of Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing
IN WASHINGTON STATE, AEROSPACE THRIVES NOT JUST BECAUSE OF INNOVATION IN TECHNOLOGY, BUT BECAUSE OF INNOVATION IN PARTNERSHIP. ACROSS CLASSROOMS, HANGARS, AND FACTORY FLOORS, LEADERS IN AEROSPACE ARE COMING TOGETHER TO SOLVE SHARED CHALLENGES. AT THE CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR AEROSPACE AND ADVANCED MANUFACTURING( COE), BUILDING THOSE CONNECTIONS IS WHAT WE DO BEST.
Jill Thornton Executive Director
Center of Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing
COEAerospace. com
Center of Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing
Employers across the state are seeking skilled technicians, engineers, and advanced manufacturing professionals to fill critical positions. By connecting education, industry, and workforce partners, the COE helps ensure that students are gaining the right skills, employers are finding qualified talent, and Washington’ s aerospace industry continues to grow.
One of the most collaborative examples is the Fighting 147s, a network of community and technical colleges that train the next generation of Aircraft Maintenance Technicians( AMTs). These colleges provide a critical workforce pipeline, and by bringing them together regularly, the COE helps keep that pipeline strong. Instructors share best practices, navigate complex FAA training regulations, and connect directly with airlines eager for graduates. The COE also helps coordinate student skills competitions, giving future
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