Faced with Sufficient Growth, Textron Invests in In-House Education

Textron has announced its own workforce development location in a 100,000-square-foot facility at its Wichita Campus, the Hiring and Learning Center.

While manufacturer's construction plans are rarely noteworthy, Textron's aim could be seen as a bellwether for future career prospects for those throughout the maintenance, logistics, and production side of aviation. Textron wants to foster its own professionals in-house, ensuring greater fealty to the company over time and guaranteeing a constant supply of newcomers. Personnel shortages have been a continuing bugbear for specialized aviation outfits, and others may soon follow suit. Textron obtained a $3,325,000 grant for the facility courtesy of the State of Kansas, aimed at supporting the development of a competent, specialized workforce in their own backyard.

The location will act as the main, centralized hub for all Textron hiring, training, and talent development initiatives. Textron will offer programs to foster skill development, technical training, and education under one roof, integrating a range of disparate activities spread across its current campus into a single, streamlined education center. Employees and students will be paid, though internships, externships, and K-12 initiatives will also make the building home to their activities. On-site facilities focused on paint lab, sheet metal training, flight control rigging and blueprint reading and interpretation. As part of the grant, the Center will sport a new K-12 "experiential space", featuring multiple classrooms, and learning labs.

“Our commitment to investing in our employees is unwavering, and the establishment of the Hiring and Learning Center is just the latest example of how we are advancing our focus on growing a world-class workforce,” said Maggie Topping, senior vice president, Human Resources & Communications. “Centralizing our workforce development within this advanced facility is a success multiplier. It will not only equip our team with paid job training to achieve their full potential but also shape the future of Textron Aviation.”

FMI: www.txtav.com