By Kirk Davis, Executive Director, CAMPS (Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound)

From Kitty Hawk to Cape Canaveral, education has played a critical role in the progress of aerospace. The Wright Brothers didn’t just invent a flying machine; they studied the principles that made flight possible. That same mindset continues today, as evidenced by the move to missions to Mars and the drive for innovations in jet propulsion. However, forward thinking doesn’t happen only in labs. It occurs on factory floors, in technical classrooms, and at every level of the production process. In aerospace, the companies that lead are those that invest in people.

This focus defines our work at CAMPS, the Center for Advanced Manufacturing Puget Sound. We are a network comprising over 250 manufacturers, training providers, and educational institutions. We aim to strengthen the manufacturing sector by connecting businesses with practical training resources, creating collaborative partnerships, and helping people access meaningful career pathways.

Right now, the need is urgent. Experienced workers are retiring, and production timelines are becoming increasingly tight. Instead of waiting for job-ready applicants, many of our manufacturing members are taking the initiative to build the talent they need. CAMPS education organizations, including the Washington Aerospace Training & Research (WATR) Center, the Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center (AMSC), Apprenti, Clover Park Technical College, and the Machinists Institute, are leading that charge. These partners work directly with the industry to align training with actual job requirements, equipping new and current workers with the skills employer value most.

The results speak for themselves. Companies that collaborate with training programs see better hiring outcomes, stronger retention, and more effective onboarding. These aren’t broad, one-size-fits-all solutions. They are focused and geared toward the real-world needs of aerospace manufacturing, including skills like composite assembly, CNC operation, mechatronics, and quality control. The outcome is a better-prepared workforce that can contribute from day one.

One real-world example stands out. David, a former 35T military intelligence systems maintainer and integrator in the Army, worked with secure communications systems throughout his service. After connecting with CAMPS at a military job fair, he entered our Military to Manufacturing (M2M) program. As a result, he enrolled in the mechatronics program at Clover Park Technical College. With new training in electrical systems, programming, and mechanical integration, he earned his Associate of Applied Science degree. Today, he designs hydraulic systems for Western Integrated Technologies, serving clients like Boeing and SpaceX. “If I hadn’t found CAMPS, I’d still be stuck in a career I didn’t enjoy,” David said. His story is one of many, showing how tailored education can help veterans and others enter high-growth sectors like aerospace.

Below are some of the CAMPS member organizations creating these opportunities:

Washington Aerospace Training & Research (WATR) Center – Edmonds College

WATR offers 12 to 15-week training programs in aerospace assembly, electrical systems, composites, quality assurance, and automation. These programs are developed in collaboration with industry employers to ensure that graduates are well prepared for immediate roles.

watrcenter.edmonds.edu

Advanced Manufacturing Skills Center (AMSC) – Edmonds College

AMSC provides accelerated, hands-on training in machining, automation, and mechatronics. Its modular format serves both individuals entering the workforce and current employees seeking to acquire new skills.

amsc.edmonds.edu

Clover Park Technical College – School of Manufacturing

Clover Park offers degrees and certifications in aviation maintenance, welding, CNC machining, composites, and mechatronics. Programs emphasize hands-on experience with the tools and technologies used in the field.

cptc.edu/programs/school-of-manufacturing

Machinists Institute

Machinists Institute combines classroom training with paid apprenticeships in aerospace trades. Programs are developed in partnership with both union and non-union employers to support long-term career growth.

machinistsinstitute.org

In aerospace, technology drives progress, but people sustain and improve it. At CAMPS, we work to ensure that companies have access to the talent and training resources they need to stay competitive. When employers invest in education, they’re not just preparing for the next hiring cycle; they’re also preparing for the future. They’re shaping the future of the industry.