Northwest Aerospace News October | November — Issue No. 17 | Page 71

PACIFIC NORTHWEST AEROSPACE ALLIANCE SPOTLIGHT
Do we have the capacity to innovate and upgrade ? Will the current pressures and challenges push us to gain advantage and even benefit against the world ’ s strong and aggressive suppliers ?
Let ’ s look at an interesting turn in an essential element of the future of development for aerospace manufacturing — a trained and skilled workforce — the underpinning of long-term success . Partnerships with training organizations is critical for anticipating increased demand as aerospace ramps back up . The Aerospace Joint Apprenticeship Committee ( AJAC ), a state registered aerospace and advanced manufacturing apprenticeship program , utilizes gap reduction strategies to align skills development with the varied needs of employers , through maintenance and automation in partnership with Yakima Valley Community College ( YVCC ). There are many approaches to gap reduction strategies , including data gathering to identify gaps and the key skills for aerospace — AJAC is in the trenches with employers . One growing area has been the need for maintenance on the production lines . As a small town Yakima has it ; their reputation for effective training and apprenticeships has even spread into the local business community . AJAC has been approached to do the same training for another production line … food manufacturing .
While aerospace-focused , AJAC has diversified and continues to share support for the agricultural industry with innovations developed in aerospace . This is an ongoing story in the Pacific Northwest . You may never take a flight to travel anywhere , but everyone in our region is touched by the limit-breaking spirit of aerospace .
OCTOBER | NOVEMBER 2020 ISSUE NO . 17 71