Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology ? Workforce & Economic Development department

PROJECT PURPOSE

The purpose of the proposed program is to recruit, train, and increase the talent pipeline of Oklahoma?s growing Aerospace & Defense industry, through the development and implementation of an Avionics Certificate Program (non-credit). The Certificate program is designed to align with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce?s Aerospace & Defense Strategic Plan?s Workforce and Advanced Technologies objectives. The Workforce objective indicates that enhancing Oklahoma?s A & D workforce begins with a properly trained and educated workforce and it is crucial that coordination between higher education and technical training providers occur. Additionally, the Advanced Technologies objective identifies various technologies needed to propel Oklahoma as a top recruiter of talent within the aerospace and defense industry, including electric propulsion, batteries, and automation. OSUIT ? WFED?s proposed Avionics Certificate program will provide training in seven areas that directly address the workforce and advanced technologies needs and provide a pathway for employers to upgrade their technicians? skillsets as well as a bridge for students completing CareerTech programs to transition to a two-year post-secondary, degree.

EVIDENCE

In October 2021 the Oklahoma Aerospace Commerce Economic Services (ACES) organization identified 4 objectives required to ensure the future success of Oklahoma?s Aerospace & Defense Industry. One of which is to provide the infrastructure to recruit, education, and train the workforce needed to sustain and grow Oklahoma?s A&D industry. Additionally, ACES identified a need for more A&D engineers and technicians a forecasted job growth of 5,500 new jobs. The proposed certificate program will address the increase A&D industry workforce need.

POPULATION DESCRIPTION

The Certificate program will directly impact underrepresented groups in low-income, rural communities and will focus on a six-county region that has been identified as low-income and rural and experiencing negative impacts of distress. The proposed program will develop the skills and expertise of local workforce, including the upskilling of incumbent workers, to meet employer needs and prepare workers for high-wage jobs within the Aerospace & Defense industry cluster.

PERFORMANCE MEASURING

OSUIT-WFED will perform instructor and course evaluations as well as follow-up with all students and employers to determine if they obtained employment or obtained a wage increase upon course completion. All data will be tracked.

ONGOING INVESTMENT AMOUNT

$

ONGOING INVESTMENT DESCRIPTION

None

ONGOING INVESTMENT REQUIRED

Able to continue operation without additional funding from the State of Oklahoma