Textron partners with WSU Tech, Machinists Union on collaborative apprenticeship program

Amid concerns about the coronavirus, Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly said during a news conference Tuesday at Textron Aviation that it was nice to share some good news.

Textron Aviation announced at the conference that it had partnered with WSU Tech and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers to create a collaborative apprenticeship program. Under the program, 15 people will be paid and split time between working at Textron Aviation and studying at WSU Tech. Successful apprentices of the roughly two-year program will earn a Tooling Associates of Applied Studies degree, which WSU Tech created for the initiative, and will be hired on full-time.

“As many of you know our state is experiencing an ongoing workforce shortage,” Kelly said. “Particularly when it comes to skilled manufacturing jobs …. This drives home the importance of innovative partnerships like this new collaborative apprenticeship program offered by WSU tech and Textron Aviation.”

WSU Tech president Sheree Utash said the program, which has been in the works for two years, will teach apprentices skills in aviation manufacturing, welding, machining and electronics.

A Kansas Department of Commerce Jobs and Innovative Industry Skills Training grant of more than $90,000 will help cover WSU Tech’s costs, Utash said. The apprentices — about half of whom are currently employed by Textron — will have their tuition and fees covered and receive wages and benefits from Textron.

“In Sedgwick County, nearly half, 45%, of people that are in this position across this city … will be eligible for early retirement in the next five years,” Utash said. “These jobs are great jobs; they are highly specialized careers that have an average entry-level earning rate of over $40,000 and experience can earn over $80,000 a year.”

The first batch of apprentices will start March 23. They will spend roughly two days each week at WSU Tech and three days working under mentors at Textron. While the first group of apprentices has already been chosen, future apprenticeship opportunities can be checked at txtav.com/careers.

Textron Aviation is the parent company that manufactures Cessna, Hawker and Beechcraft planes. It is based in Wichita.

Data from the Greater Wichita Partnership listed Textron Aviation as the area’s second-largest employer, with 9,000 people.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of the story incorrectly described the creation of the Greater Wichita Partnership. (Updated March 12 at 11:43 a.m.)

This story was originally published March 10, 2020 at 5:24 PM.