Help for idled Boeing workers
Published 7:59 pm Friday, April 24, 2009
Workers who have been laid off from the Boeing Co. or aerospace companies have a new place to turn for help.
The WorkSource Aerospace Center opened Friday in Lynnwood. People who have been laid off from the aerospace industry will find job search assistance, resume writing workshops and training opportunities at the site. The center, located at 7020 196th St. in Lynnwood, serves Snohomish County and north King County.
“We feel fortunate to be receiving federal American Reinvestment and Recovery Act funds to assist workers who are dislocated from aerospace industry jobs,” said Sue Ambler, chief executive of Workforce Development Council Snohomish County.
Snohomish County’s largest employer, the Boeing Co., has announced plans to reduce its work force by 6 percent this year in response to the global recession. At least 4,500 jobs with the company’s commercial airplanes division here in the Puget Sound region will be lost through layoffs and attrition. Further layoffs are likely as Boeing plans to slow production of its 777 jet line here in Everett beginning in June 2010.
“While we’re working extremely hard to protect aerospace jobs in Snohomish County, the recent layoffs at Boeing mean there are out-of-work employees needing help to land new occupations,” said Aaron Reardon, Snohomish County executive.
Edmonds Community College will run the center. The community college already offers several degree and certificate programs in aerospace, including an associate of applied science degree in material science technology and aerospace manufacturing.
“This is a perfect time for workers to receive skills upgrades in new technologies, helping them become more competitive on the job market,” said Jerilee Mosier, vice president of work force development and training for Edmonds Community College.
The college also could oversee the Washington Institute of Aerospace Technology and Advanced Manufacturing if the lawmakers approve legislation creating the institute. The Legislature is expected to vote on it this weekend.
