The Center of Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing serves as the statewide liaison to industry, labor and educational systems, working towards creating a highly skilled aerospace and manufacturing workforce. The Center is dedicated to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, critical to the success of industry as we drive the state’s economy and support Washington families.
Established in 2004, the Center of Excellence was codified into Washington State statute in 2009. In the 2010s the Center oversaw large federal grants across the state in composites, aerospace, and mechatronics.
Hosted at Everett Community College’s aviation department, the Center of Excellence is recognized as a state-wide leader in training future aircraft maintenance and avionics technicians. We welcome visitors to our offices and aircraft hangar across from the new Paine Field terminal.
Want to know more? Read our work plan, check our blog, and get in touch.
Core Expectations
Economic Development
Each center supports workforce development and its economic driver industry by serving as the link between local, regional, national and international education, labor and business organizations.
Industry Sector Strategy
As the link between education and industry, the centers ensure teachers, counselors and others have the latest knowledge of the field and that curriculum accurately reflects evolving business needs.
Education, Innovation & Efficiency
The centers look for ways to improve what and how students learn. The centers also advocate for expanded apprenticeships, credit for prior learning and industry-recognized credentials.
Workforce Supply/Demand
The centers research, analyze and distribute to their partners the latest information specific to their driver industry. Sectors use that information to find ways to close skills gaps and expand training capacity.
Leading with Equity & Access
Working with industry and education to maximize student and workforce potential within a culture that advances racial, social and economic justice to service our diverse communities.
Advise
The Center of Excellence’s Advisory Committee made up of partners from industry, education, and government, plays a critical role in defining how the Center connects industry to education. Your voice is needed.
Engage
The Center of Excellence is here to help your business expand, accessing the best talent Washington has to offer. We do that by providing industry with workforce and industry data, occupational analyses and referrals to partners across education and government.
Recruit
With links to all 34 of Washington’s Community and Technical Colleges, the Center of Excellence is your link to find future employees, learn more about programs and understand how to plug in to your area’s aerospace and manufacturing programs.