Study: A smarter workforce is needed to win Boeing 797

[Yo_Mama_Been_Loggin]

EVERETT — If Washington wants to retain its standing as an aerospace powerhouse, it should consider boosting investment in K-12 education, technical programs and colleges and universities throughout the state, according to a new report from the Choose Washington New Middle-Market Airplane Council.

The council, an alliance of elected officials and business and union leaders, hopes to convince Chicago-based Boeing Co. to build its next passenger airplane model in Washington.

The latest report, “Aerospace Workforce Development; Strategy and Recommendations,” offers a score of suggestions to increase the number of aerospace workers through education and training opportunities.

The council is sharing the report with private and public leaders for consideration during the upcoming legislative session.

Boeing’s so-called middle-market airplane, informally dubbed the 797, would fit somewhere between the largest 737 and the smallest 787, filling a niche left by the discontinuation of the Renton-built 757. The Boeing board of directors has not yet given the project the go-ahead, but state leaders continue to push their case for building it in Washington.

Analysts expect Boeing to make a decision this year or next, according to the council.

The aerospace giant hasn’t indicated what criteria it might use to determine if and where to build the new plane, but ever since the company located a 787 assembly line in South Carolina, leaders here have been nervous about losing out.

While the state can boast “the largest concentration of experienced aerospace and advanced manufacturing workers in the world — competition for this talent is fierce,” the report says. Washington also faces “looming retirement and gaps in the supply of workers,” factors that could affect the state’s standing in the eyes of Boeing.

https://www.heraldnet.com/business/study-urges-more-aerospace-education-and-training-to-win-797/?utm_source=DAILY+HERALD&utm_campaign=428b6ae0fb-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_d81d073bb4-428b6ae0fb-228635337

[Girard442]

1. Sounds a bit like a threat.

Turn out Boeing-ready workers so we can save big bucks on OJT — or we’re outta here.