We like to end the week on an up note. This surely qualifies: Boeing boosts local hiring efforts and academic partnerships (first story at link).
Boeing welcomed the inaugural “class” of 30 high school and skill center graduates who completed a new, accelerated hiring and training programto become the latest members of our manufacturing team. Record production levels coupled with worker retirements on the horizon means Boeing expects to hire up to 15,000 people for manufacturing jobs in Washington through the end of this decade.
When you follow the hiring and training link, you begin with an inspiring story of a young immigrant who arrived in 2008 with little English and has gone on to master the language and begin his career with Boeing. It’s a story likely to be replicated.
“Today’s manufacturing tools and processes means our workforce must continually learn and adapt to be successful,” said Walt Odisho, vice president of Manufacturing and Safety for Commercial Airplanes. “We can do a better job of attracting top talent and providing opportunities for current and new employees to develop the skills needed to succeed. If we do that, we can extend our reputation as a major hub for aerospace talent while providing great jobs and careers.”
Record production levels coupled with worker retirements on the horizon means Boeing expects to hire up to 15,000 people for manufacturing jobs in Washington state through the end of this decade, according to company officials. Boeing also is making investments in advanced manufacturing that will transform the nature of manufacturing jobs, they said. Those investments mean more preparation and training for current employees and future hires.
Great opportunities still exist in manufacturing in our state. Education and training make the difference. Congratulations to the inaugural class.