Press Release

Issued by Textron Aviation.

June 23, 2021

Following the successful launch of its Tooling Apprenticeship programme in 2020, Textron Aviation is growing its collaborative “earn and learn” employment opportunities with a new Numeric Controls (NC) technician apprenticeship opportunity. Applications are now open for entry level technicians interested in getting paid to expand their skills and experience to join the Textron Aviation team of highly skilled people who manufacture the iconic Cessna and Beechcraft aircraft.

Textron Aviation Inc., is a Textron Inc. company.

Candidates accepted into the programme will receive both factory and classroom training and will be Textron Aviation employees with benefits and salary. In a typical week, apprentices will divide their time attending training at WSU Tech and working with assigned mentors at Textron Aviation production facilities. The company will also pay for the related tuition and fees to participate in the programme through WSU Tech.

“This new apprenticeship provides quality education and training to participants, while allowing them to earn a paycheck,” said Maggie Topping, senior vice president, HR and communications. “This programme further cements our dedication to educational and community partnerships that benefit the company and the region.”

As an NC technician, apprentices will perform routine maintenance and repairs on technologically advanced production machinery and electronic systems. The employees will use a wide variety of test equipment and troubleshooting tools including infrared cameras, ultrasonic detection, control software, dial indicators, voltmeters and more in machine diagnosis and repair.

The programme is a collaboration between Textron Aviation, WSU Tech, and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAMAW) to help address long-term production and operations requirements for the company's aircraft programmes and reinforce Wichita's status as a global aerospace centre.