The Washington Aerospace Training & Research (WATR) Center is a technical job skills development facility that opened in 2010 and is managed by Edmonds College. With five specialty programs offered, it is an educational resource for career pathways in the aerospace and manufacturing industry.
The state of Washington has a rich legacy as an aviation hub. In terms of cultivating an aerospace workforce, how influential is it in 2024?
There are about 1,500 aerospace-related suppliers and vendors in our state. Washington has produced over 33,000 commercial and military aircraft here, and based on a 2022 study, we rank number one in labor productivity, aerospace sales, and aerospace engineers. Every Boeing plane that ends in a ‘seven’ began here. The state has over 130,000 aerospace workers. Besides Boeing, we are the second-largest supplier to Airbus in the United States and have been number one na
Despite the presence of major tech companies like Amazon and Microsoft, aerospace remains integral to our state's growth. We also support other suppliers by developing the workforce to industry standards and have provided workers to at least 150 to 200 of the state’s suppliers. The community's connection to aerospace is strong, with many people having family members who worked at Boeing. Even jobs like grocery store clerks, and car dealers are linked to Boeing's employment, which shows the industry's widespread impact.
From pilots to MRO workers, the aerospace industry is concerned about workforce shortages. Where do the greatest amount of vacancies at the moment lie?
There's a huge demand for engineers and assemblers, including assembly mechanics, electrical assembly, composite wings, and tooling. When I talk of tools, it's not just hammers and wrenches; a bench can be a tool. Quality assurance is also critical due to recent aviation problems, leading us to create a lab space in the back half of a 767 fuselage.
Students will practise identifying wiring, composite, and structural issues in an actual aircraft. This hands-on experience in a plane is invaluable for understanding quality and safety, especially in roles involving extensive wiring and assembly of complex components like aircraft seats.
Can you tell us about the structure and purpose of the WATR Center’s training program?
Our program was established in response to Boeing's need for quicker training. We developed a system that allows people to train for specific skill sets and jobs within a 12-week program. The training starts with four weeks online, including 52 tests that must be passed at 80%. After this, students take a proctored test to enroll in their chosen specialty, such as assembly mechanics, electrical assembly, tooling, or composites.
Following this, they undergo four weeks of foundational training, then another three to four weeks online in their specialty. Finally, they complete eight weeks of hands-on training, learning soft skills like punctuality and professional behavior to prepare them for the workplace. We've had participants from all over and this flexible online learning and in-person training makes it possible for people to enter the industry regardless of their location.
How do you support students transitioning into the workforce after they complete your program?
Our student services coordinator assists students from day one with resumes and interview preparation. The aviation industry actively recruits from us because of our program's success. Companies like ATS and Boeing have hired many of our graduates, and we continually update our training based on industry standards. Our advisory board consists of industry professionals, ensuring our programs remain relevant and effective.
Our program ensures students know what they're getting into with rigorous training. New hires often face a culture shock when starting early hours and physically demanding tasks. Our method gives them real-world experience, helping them decide if the job suits them. Most of our students are in their late 20s to mid-40s, though we've had younger and older participants. The oldest was 72. By providing this experience, we help them understand the demands of the job before they commit, which reduces dropout rates.
What are the costs associated with your training programs, and how do you address the financial barrier some students face?
Training costs $2,500 for the core program and $4,200 for a specialty, which is affordable compared to a college education. The state supports us through low-interest student loans and other funding programs like LNI (Department of Labor & Industries) and BFET (Basic Food Employment & Training Program). Our success is measured by job placements, not just certificates awarded. Our student services coordinator helps students with resumes, interview preparation, and tool identification, ensuring they are job-ready. This comprehensive support results in a 90% employment rate for our graduates.
Looking back at your career and time at the WATR Center, what are you most proud of achieving?
I’m most proud of launching this program, proving skeptics wrong about the value of short-term training. We've trained thousands of workers for Boeing and other aerospace suppliers, with over 5,000 incumbent workers trained. We continually innovate, as seen with our new fuselage training space donated by Boeing for quality assurance.
Aviation and manufacturing face a perception problem; they are often seen as dirty jobs. Parents usually encourage college over trades, not realizing these are actually well-paying, clean jobs with strict control measures. Changing lives through education and training is our mission, and we are very passionate about it.
