Aerospace training center at Paine Field should get going this spring

EVERETT — An empty building at Paine Field may become the focal point of the state's effort to retain a vibrant aerospace industry.

At the moment, the Washington Aerospace Training and Research Center doesn't look like much. Then again, just a few months ago, much of the facility wasn't fit for students. Both current and future Washington aerospace workers will start filtering through the center's doors this spring.

After efforts in the 2009 Legislature failed to establish a training center for aerospace, industry — the Aerospace Futures Alliance — and local government — Snohomish County — banded together to start one anyway.

The county would provide the building and a lenient lease, and the alliance, with Edmonds Community College's assistance, would line up the training. But the effort has been moving more slowly than initially anticipated.

First, the site's environmental hazards put the plan to open last fall on hold. The Paine Field facility required extensive renovations. And then, there's the question of funding.

“It's been disappointing that the money hasn't arrived as fast as we'd like,” Lanham said. “But I've been encouraged by the strong support we've received.

Despite getting nothing from the Legislature, the training center has scooped up cash from state and federal sources.

Last fall, Gov. Chris Gregoire allocated $1.5 million of discretionary federal funds for aerospace training in the state. About $450,000 of that went directly to the training center at Paine Field. The center's sister site, in Spokane, also will receive some of the governor's discretionary funds.

The state Department of Commerce kicked in $250,000 late last year. Those funds have been designated for facility repairs and upgrades, such as installing energy-efficient lighting and resurfacing the parking lot.

Even when those funds arrive, the center still needs equipment and personnel.

When most of the start-up costs are paid, the center should collect enough in fees and tuition from aerospace companies and students to pay the staff, said Jerrilee Mosier, vice president of work force development at Edmonds Community College.

“We think we'll be self-sufficient,” Mosier said.

The center will provide training for skills not addressed by the state's community colleges or universities, Mosier said. For example, Aviation Technical Services has asked that a metal bonding course be taught. Others have asked for training sessions on drilling composite surfaces.

“It's a business model more than a school (model),” said Larry Cluphf, who oversees the center for the community college.

Like Edmonds Community College, the training center likely will offer courses or training sessions online as well as at the facility.

Enhanced training options in Washington have long been a push by the aerospace industry here. But the Boeing Co.'s decision to locate a second 787 jet line in South Carolina has put aerospace issues under scrutiny. Lanham hopes to secure $2 million for aerospace training during this legislative session, despite a tight state budget.

“People are thinking ‘what can we do to get out of this recession?'” Lanham said. “Job training is one of those things.”