Expand Training & Proficiency
One of the key recommendations from the Washington Aerospace Competitiveness Study is to improve the readiness of current high school students to meet the new work force needs to enter the 737 MAX program or aerospace training programs upon graduation by focusing on STEM learning and building
on programs to increase aerospace career awareness. To advance this goal, the Washington Aerospace Partnership supported legislation that was enacted in 2011 for High School students and teachers to expand training and proficiency.
High School (SB 5975, HB 2159, SB 5974, HB 2158)
These initiatives create opportunities for students to graduate from high school with up to one year’s worth of college credit and training in their chosen field.
Programs for high school students seeking a career in aerospace:
- Enhanced manufacturing courses at skills centers - Investment: $150,000 for two skills centers.
- Expand the aerospace assembler program - Investment: $300,000 for startup grants to 12 high schools to receive aerospace assembler and manufacturing support.
Program to link aerospace manufacturing technical certification courses and credits beginning in a student’s last year of high school.
- Require the award of postsecondary credit when students demonstrate the competencies - Investment: $250,000 in start-up support to add an advanced courses in 10 high schools
Teachers (SB 5973, HB 2160)
More teachers with stronger STEM proficiencies are needed. Current basic skills requirements for STEM teacher certification will be replaced with higher levels of integrated teaching techniques for science, technology, engineering and math. The enacted legislation tasks the Professional Educator Standards Board with establishing more rigorous standards for teacher math and science knowledge. The PESB will be responsible for developing standards and requiring continuing education or professional skills training.
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