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.
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