Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Sector Leader
AWB Institute, in partnership with the Aerospace Futures Alliance.

Sector Leader Contacts:

Employer-Identified priority occupations for Career Connected Learning:

  • Machinists
  • Welders
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
  • Aerospace Engineering Operations Technician

Career Connected Learning programs needed to address those workforce priorities:

  • Career awareness: Programs for students, educators, and parents that address misconceptions about manufacturing and aerospace careers, and increase participation in existing training opportunities.
  • Faculty development: Professional development programs that enable faculty to engage directly with industry, ensuring training programs align with evolving workforce needs.
  • Shared training resources: Models that offer shared training equipment and staff to support on-the-job learning, especially for small and medium-sized suppliers.

High-impact sector programs supported by CCW and the Sector Leader:

  • SEH America High Tech Manufacturing Internship: In partnership with Clark College, this internship places students at SEH America, a semiconductor manufacturer. Interns work alongside mentors on real-world projects, gaining technical and professional skills over the course of a semester or summer. “[The program] is a good investment. We will benefit from it for decades if we do it well.” – Russ Hill, C.Z. Production Manager, SEH America
  • Wagstaff Production and Manufacturing Academy: This immersive summer program offers high school juniors and seniors hands-on experience in production, engineering, 3D printing, technology, welding, machining, and management. Video overview here.
  • The Advanced Manufacturing Academy by Skills Inc.: A 9-month work-based training program for high school students with IEPs. Students gain hands-on aerospace manufacturing experience while earning high school credit and building technical, professional, and life skills.
  • Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center – Summer Worksite Learning: Through Sno-Isle Career Link, students earn high school credit by gaining real-world experience in industries like aerospace. The program builds practical skills while helping students explore viable career pathways.

“As the fiber workforce continues to age and many technicians near retirement, it’s important to ensure that the next generation of fiber technicians are qualified, ready, and excited to step up… offering a well-paid, long-term career.” – Todd Jackson, Director of Workforce Development, Fiber Broadband Association. More information here.  

Learn More: Explore detailed recommendations in the 2025 Advanced Manufacturing and Aerospace Sector Strategy. You can also view a brief sector strategy summary, discover how to get involved as an employer, or contact the Sector Leader directly for more information.