Aerospace Manufacturing Takes Off in Utah

Pete CodellaNews

PricewaterhouseCoopers has released a report that Utah is number four in the nation for aerospace manufacturing attractiveness. Citing a robust tax climate and solid industry rank, the report exhibits the work that Utah is doing to create a friendly, magnetic atmosphere for aerospace manufacturers.

“We’re proud to have created a strong set of aerospace manufacturing partnerships,” said Ben Hart, managing director of business services at the Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED). “For this important industry to continue to flourish, we’re working to train a workforce that will fill the current gaps. With vested stakeholders at all levels, we plan to have initiatives in place to accomplish our goals.”

Utah’s aerospace industry is playing an active role and taking preliminary steps to respond to workforce development challenges. Boeing, Harris, Hexcel, Janicki, Orbital ATK and Hill Air Force Base have all come to the table with ideas and initiatives that they agree will help fill the pipeline and ultimately create the strongest aerospace manufacturing workforce in the nation.

On July 28 Gov. Herbert will meet with workforce stakeholders during the Governor’s Economic Council (GEC). The GEC will consider legislation, potential appropriation, initiatives, incumbent worker training and custom fit training programs. All topics discussed may be moved forward to the 2016 legislative session for consideration.

One such initiative that will soon launch is the Aerospace Manufacturing Certificate. The certificate is a high school program geared toward high school seniors looking for a different but competitive option to higher education.

“We continue to work with all interested parties to address our significant workforce challenges,” said Val Hale, executive director of GOED. “It’s great to see our industry partners not only recognize these challenges, but provide a proactive plan of action to improve our state.”