As a representative of industry, perhaps you’re interested in learning more about your local community or technical college. Maybe you recently hired an outstanding graduate of an aerospace or manufacturing program and wonder if this can lead to a pipeline for your skilled hiring needs. Or perhaps you attended a community or technical college yourself, and want to re-connect to see how programs have evolved and find out what’s being taught now.
But how to make those connections? Who to call, who to email, what social media to use? At the Center of Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing, we’re perfectly placed to connect industry and education. It’s what we do every day, sharing our insight into college programs, explaining how you can connect and get involved, and making introductions that will lead to lasting and meaningful working relationships.
Washington is home to 34 exceptional community and technical colleges, 27 of which host manufacturing or aerospace programs. From Bellingham to Vancouver, Aberdeen to Spokane, 2-year colleges across Washington prepare students for future careers across the industries that matter to our state’s economy. Check out the full list of manufacturing and aerospace colleges and to find the program that fits your work.
Once you’ve found a college to connect to, what’s your next step? The Center of Excellence for Aerospace & Advanced Manufacturing is here to help. Executive Director Jill Thornton draws on a wealth of institutional knowledge paired with connections across the colleges, all to help you identify the ask or offer your business wants to make. It could be:
- A request to meet recent graduates, presenting your business and showcasing opportunities to students and faculty.
- An offer to tour your facility. Students gain immeasurably from seeing work happen on the shop floor.
- Participation in career days, internships, structured mentorships, guest lectures or Q&As.
- A tax-deductible donation of equipment or supplies.
These collaborative opportunities can help your business access a skilled workforce, building your talent pipeline while sharing your knowledge and experience with the next generation of manufacturing and aerospace professionals.
Perhaps you’re ready to give back more deeply? After decades in the industry, you’ve recognized that the best way to ensure the future of aerospace and advanced manufacturing in Washington is to help future generations not just enter the field, but succeed. Washington’s community and technical colleges, via the Center of Excellence, offer great ways to get involved.
The first is to serve on an Advisory Committee. Every college offering professional-technical education programs must establish local program advisory committees to provide advice on industry alignment, curriculum, equipment and technology, and employment of program graduates. Advisory Committees determine program goals, review and evaluate program curricula, and assess equipment and effectiveness. It’s work that immediately makes programs better, with impact that can be seen in training and career readiness.
Advisories are made up of representatives from business and labor that reflect local industry and community. It’s an opportunity to give back knowledge, meet and learn from peers, and share insight on programs that need it. Contact Jill and the Center of Excellence to find the right Advisory Committee for you.
Another opportunity to give back is to teach a course in your specialty. Faculty that come from industry, professionals that have insight into what happens on the shop floor, are better at helping students understand workplace expectations, new technologies, and the future direction of industry. See this official College System Jobs Search for listings.
Connecting to your local community or technical college will benefit you, your business, your community, and your local college. A win-win-win-win! If you want to build goodwill in your community, build your future workforce, or build your knowledge of your local educational institution, get in touch today.