Story ID: 
Kansas Recognizes Textron’s Apprenticeship Programs
By: Gregory Polek
Caption: The OEM fully pays for program tuition and fees 
Word Count: 237
The Kansas Department of Commerce has officially recognized Textron Aviation’s maintenance and paint apprenticeship programs. The two-year programs, which are now state-registered apprenticeships, support the company’s long-term workforce plan and offer prospective and current employees opportunities to try new fields, learn new skills, and boost their competencies, the company said.
“Textron Aviation has long been committed to building educational and community collaborations that benefit our employees, company, region, and the state of Kansas, particularly in developing a skilled workforce that maintains our advantage in a competitive, global market,” said Textron Aviation senior v-p of HR and communications Maggie Topping. “These apprenticeships are another way we provide employees a solid foundation for success and ongoing support throughout their careers.”
Program participants receive benefits and pay during on-the-job and classroom training. In a typical week, employees divide their time attending training at Wichita State University (WSU) Tech and working with assigned mentors at Textron Aviation production facilities. The company also pays for program-related tuition and fees.
Textron Aviation, the state of Kansas, WSU Tech, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers collaborated on the program to help address long-term production and workforce needs and reinforce Wichita’s status as a global aerospace hub.
The company continues to expand its earn-and-learn opportunities, including airframe and powerplant, avionics, and computer numerical control machining and tooling programs.