The MI Hosts Heroes MAKE America Airframe and Powerplant Prep Training
Wichita, Kansas –The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, hosted an informative luncheon about the new Heroes MAKE America Airframe and Powerplant prep training.
Launched to bridge the gap between the military and manufacturing industries, Heroes MAKE America creates and facilitates training programs to equip active duty, transitioning service members and veterans with in-demand qualifications and industry-specific certifications to find and excel in manufacturing careers. Wichita State University Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (WSU Tech) and the Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas participated in the most recent program, sponsored by Textron Aviation.
“The manufacturing industry faces a critical challenge,” said Manufacturing Institute Chief Program Officer Gardner Carrick. “With an average of 400,000 job openings each month and an estimated 3.8 million positions needing to be filled by 2033—half of which could go unfilled due to a lack of skilled talent—we must invest in programs which look to meet this critical need.”
Mayor of Wichita Lily Wu welcomed attendees and President & CEO of Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas Keith Lawing provided brief opening remarks before introducing Congressman Ron Estes (KS-04), who spoke about the important role manufacturing plays in keeping veterans in Kansas.
“When we have men and women who are finishing their active duty – especially those who have served at McConnell Air Force Base and fallen in love with our community – it’s really incumbent upon us to have programs and systems in place to retain those dedicated service members. Some of them have placed their kids in our schools, found local churches and are our neighbors. Simply put, we want them to stay in the Sunflower State. Their presence here benefits the communities they live in and will also benefit our manufacturing industries, and I’m grateful for the partnership of Heroes MAKE America that connects local industry and veterans.”
In addition to an overview of the Heroes MAKE America program from Carrick, the Deputy Commander of the 22nd Air Refueling Wing at McConnell Air Force Base, Colonel Aaron J. Strode, led a discussion about the military workforce pipeline.
“The men and women of our Air Force sacrifice every day to protect this country and keep each and every one of us safe,” said Col. Strode. “It comes as no surprise that, as their service comes to an end, they would continue to look for opportunities to continue their careers in aviation. It is our job to help provide them with the tools and training they need to be successful both in their military duties, and in the next chapter of their lives.”
Following Col. Strode’s presentation, President of WSU Tech Dr. Sheree Utash and Vice President of Aviation and Workforce Development Jim Hall gave an overview of the new six-week airframe and powerplant preparation course, emphasizing how participants can earn their FAA Certification through the training.
The event concluded with John Buckley, senior manager, Military Programs at Textron Aviation, who presented the business case for why this initiative is important to Textron Aviation and encouraged other industry leaders in the audience to participate in the program.
“America faces a skills gap and our veterans are uniquely positioned to bridge that gap,” said Maggie Topping, senior vice president, Human Resources & Communications at Textron Aviation. “By supporting the Airframe and Powerplant Certification Training program, we will make a significant difference in the lives of our service members by providing a streamlined pathway to quality manufacturing jobs following their exceptional service to our country.”
– The Manufacturing Institute –
The Manufacturing Institute builds a resilient manufacturing workforce prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the future. Through implementing groundbreaking programs, convening industry leaders and conducting innovative research, the MI furthers individual opportunity, community prosperity and a more competitive manufacturing industry. As the 501(c)3 nonprofit workforce development and education affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, the MI is a trusted adviser to manufacturers, equipping them with solutions to address the toughest workforce issues. For more information on the MI, please visit www.themanufacturinginstitute.org.