Washington State’s Core Plus Aerospace program teaches high school students manufacturing skills paired with universal skills needed in today’s workplace, preparing high school and skills center students with more options after graduation. The two-year curriculum includes materials science and advanced composites, all in a workplace-like setting that encourages learning by doing.
Core Plus was developed in partnership with Boeing, giving students an advantage when applying for manufacturing jobs, apprenticeships or entering programs at community and technical colleges.
200 students participated in the Boeing summer manufacturing Student Development Program, one highlight from the most recent school year. Another highlight is Boeing’s Pre-Employment Training Program, which is an accelerated hiring process for Core Plus Aerospace graduates, allowing students to receive contingent offers of employment without interviewing.
In June, Boeing hosted nearly 70 students representing 16 high schools and skills centers from across Washington at the SkillsUSA Manufacturing Assembler Competition in Everett. Students participated in hands-on skills activities, received feedback on their resumes from Boeing hiring managers and practiced their interviewing skills.
With Core Plus’s 2024 Annual Report set to be released soon, it’s worth looking back at 2023’s numbers:
- 3,000 students enrolled in Core Plus Aerospace
- 137 students representing 67 high schools and skills centers interned last summer
- 22 community and technical colleges align their curriculum and credits with Core Plus Aerospace
- $900,000 in grant funding went to 34 educational institutions to support Core Plus Aerospace
Core Plus Aerospace prepares students for specific aerospace careers, including Tool Maker, Aircraft Sealer, Assembler and Mechanic. Read more about those roles and watch videos that show the work Core Plus Aerospace graduates do.
The first year of Core Plus Aerospace’s curriculum focuses on the manufacturing skills common across multiple industries, such as materials science, precision measurement and power tool usage. The second year offers aerospace-specific courses in areas such as fiber optics, advanced composites, robotics and more. Throughout the program, students learn universal and necessary skills like time management, problem-solving and team building. Students graduate with an industry-backed Certificate of Competency.
Read more about Core Plus Aerospace, including information for students, parents and educators.