KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Officials with Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation say a new $819,000 federal grant will help them bolster aviation workforce training at the school.
The money will be used to purchase tools such as simulation software, maintenance training simulators and cockpit electronic trainers, among other technology. It will also pay for new equipment for the college’s uncrewed aerial systems operations certificate program, which WMU is exploring expanding into a full-blown Bachelor of Science program.
“At a time when the industry is seeing a shortage of aircraft technicians, this funding will put Western in a position to increase the number of qualified graduates and enhance the pipeline of talent we’ve created for our industry partners,” says Dr. Raymond Thompson, dean of WMU’s College of Aviation.
WMU President Russ Kavalhuna says, “The future of aviation depends on young people who are interested in this field and equipped with the training and expertise to succeed. The senator’s advocacy will help us enhance our program with state-of-the-art curriculum and technology to attract the next generation of aviation professionals. This is an exciting time for the University.”
A recent report from Boeing indicates a need for 660,000 new pilots and 710,000 new maintenance technicians worldwide in the next 20 years.
University officials say Western’s College of Aviation is actively working to grow its enrollment and realign curriculum with these industry needs through new initiatives such as:
Further developing stackable credentials such as Federal Aviation Administration dispatcher, uncrewed aerial systems and aviation supply chain.
Providing state-of-the-art equipment for aviation maintenance technician training.
Increasing the use of virtual reality and augmented reality for training.
Recently upgrading to a new fleet of Cirrus TRAC20 G7 aircraft—the most advanced training aircraft in the world.
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