The aerospace and defense sector directly and indirectly employs 2.4 million Americans. Learn how CTE prepares the future workforce in this sector with ACTE’s updated Sector Sheet. This brief has been revised with the latest on job demand, talent shortages and exemplary CTE programs.
This sector typically pays well above the national average, and is protected from outsourcing by the need for government clearances. Despite the attractions of working in this industry, three-quarters of aerospace and defense CEOs are concerned about workforce skills. Highly skilled individuals are needed in this sector with expertise in information security, unmanned systems and additive manufacturing, among other fields.
To engage and prepare students for careers in this sector, the Aviation and Aerospace Academy at B.C. Rain High School in Mobile, Alabama, provides a project-based curriculum in aerospace technology and aerospace, aeronautics and astronautics engineering that integrates technical, academic and employability skills. Hands-on learning is facilitated by equipment such as a flight simulator, drone and U.S. Navy trainer aircraft. Among the academy’s business and education partners are Airbus, ST Aerospace and Alabama Aviation College at Ozark, and the school is also home to a U.S. Army JROTC program that supports and collaborates with the academy.
On the postsecondary level, students at Washington’s Green River College can earn postsecondary certificates in advanced manufacturing tailored to the aerospace sector after 20 weeks, or 400 hours of training. Boeing and several other industry partners have provided input to and approval of the curriculum. Opportunities abound in the aerospace industry in the state, which is home to 1,400 aerospace-related companies.
ACTE’s Sector Sheet series is generously supported by Pearson.
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