Partnership Between Wichita's OEM Businesses, County, And State Of Kansas

The National Center For Aviation Training (NCAT) opened its 230,000 square foot facility on Wichita’s Jabara Airport in August, offering 37 certifications and degrees in what officials describe as a "state of the art" facility.

NCAT Front

NCAT offers companies customized training using cutting-edge technology, as well as traditional technical training for students, along with a unique partnership between training and research.

“What makes this the most unique aviation training facility will also make it a national hub for aviation training,” said John Tomblin, Ph.D., Executive Director of Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). “The latest in highly skilled training linked with industry research will drive advanced technology to the production floor faster, creating a competitive advantage for companies.”

Dr. John Tomblin

The National Center for Aviation Training is a partnership between Wichita’s aviation original equipment manufacturers and suppliers, Sedgwick County, Wichita, the State of Kansas, NIAR and Wichita Area Technical College. Sedgwick County is the funding partner for the center, working closely with industry leaders and public partners.

NCAT opened this fall and offers 37 certifications and degrees in a state-of-the art space. It features 21 classrooms and 25 labs to provide hands-on, real-world training for up to 1,500 students. “This training campus is a commitment from the Wichita community to the aviation industry,” said Vicki Pratt Gerbino, President of the Greater Wichita Economic Development Coalition. “The entire initiative from concept to design to curriculum is the result of Wichita’s aviation leaders working together and closely with public partners. The result is a training center designed so every detail is focused on meeting industry needs to advance our aviation companies.”

Vicki Pratt Gerbino

Aviation industry leaders from Cessna Aircraft Company, Bombardier Learjet, Hawker Beechcraft, Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems led the effort. Wichita-area aviation companies and suppliers were also consulted throughout the planning and design process. Construction on the $52 million National
Center for Aviation Training began in 2008 “Industry leaders ensured that NCAT was world-class in our vision, our curriculum and our building,” said Sheree Utash, Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Services at WATC, the managing partner of the National Center for Aviation Training. “Our partnership with the industry and with the National Institute for Aviation Research gives companies and students an advantage in today’s global competition.” Utash added that, “Students can design and build a jet without leaving NCAT.”

Sheree Utash

NCAT offers training for a wide range of highly technical jobs critical to all manufacturing phases, and aviation design and maintenance for both aluminum and composite materials. The 37 programs include aviation maintenance, composites, machining and design. Through its partnership with NIAR, NCAT will offer non-destructive testing and numerous courses in CATIA and ENOVIA in the CAD/CAM Laboratory. Future programs will include robotics, electrical/mechanical systems, advanced coatings and paint and interiors.

FMI: www.ncatkansas.org