By Paul Michaels, Jamco America
For over a decade, Jamco America has forged a successful partnership with the Washington Aerospace Training & Research (WATR) Center, significantly enhancing aerospace manufacturing training. This collaboration allows students access to high-quality, aircraft-grade materials, providing them with real-world learning experiences essential for their future careers in the aerospace industry.
Meeting Industry Needs
The WATR Center, established in 2010 as part of Edmonds College, offers five specialized aerospace manufacturing training programs. With nearly 5,000 students trained and an impressive 90% job placement rate, the Center prepares students for high-demand careers in aerospace and related fields. The 12-week hybrid program consists of 60% online coursework and 40% hands-on lab work, ensuring students are well-equipped with industry safety protocols and procedures.
A Valuable Partnership
Jamco’s contributions include equipment and supplies that enhance the training experience. Allen Gipson, Jamco’s Vice President of Corporate Planning, emphasizes the importance of this partnership in addressing the talent shortage in aerospace: “There is a real shortage of that type of talent. Employees often either have to be hired off the street and trained internally, hired from somewhere like the WATR Center to come in with skills, or hired away from the competition. We really appreciate the work they do to push more assembly mechanics into the aerospace market and we usually hire a few of their graduates each year.” Gipson also notes that the WATR Center’s certificate program is relatively low-cost and quick, so students do not spend years in training. He praises their high placement rate and collaboration with the industry: “We have reached out to several STEM programs to attract talent into our industry. Supporting these efforts supports the entire industry and the WATR Center program is among the finest.”
Hands-On Learning
Students at the WATR Center benefit from hands-on training using real materials they will encounter in their careers. Jamco has donated thousands of excess items from previous aircraft programs, including aircraft wire and windows, which are essential for practical training. These donations not only reduce costs for the WATR Center but also provide students with invaluable experience. Shelia Dersham, Associate Director for the WATR Center, notes that “what we receive from Jamco enhances our programs because these items are very expensive.” She adds that such donations allow graduates to become familiar with local aerospace suppliers, increasing their employment options.
Future Prospects
Recent donations from Jamco include windows for a Boeing 767 fuselage and various seat assemblies, which will be integrated into new training programs aimed at expanding their curriculum further into aircraft interiors. This initiative reflects both organizations’ commitment to fostering a skilled workforce ready to meet industry demands. The collaboration between Jamco and the WATR Center exemplifies how industry partnerships can create robust training programs that benefit both students and employers, ultimately strengthening the aerospace sector as a whole.
