WMU College of Aviation receives federal funding to expand workforce development
KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A new federal funding boost will help aviation opportunities take off at Western Michigan University. WMU’s College of Aviation will receive $819,000 to bolster aviation workforce training under an appropriations bill recently signed into law.
“At a time when the industry is seeing a shortage of aircraft technicians, this funding will put Western in a position to increase the number of qualified graduates and enhance the pipeline of talent we’ve created for our industry partners,” says Dr. Raymond Thompson, dean of WMU’s College of Aviation.
Western’s flight program is already recognized among the nation’s best, and this new funding will take the University’s aviation education and workforce development to the next level. The money will be used to purchase vital tools such as simulation software, maintenance training simulators and cockpit electronic trainers, among other technology. It will also pay for new equipment for the college’s uncrewed aerial systems operations certificate program, which WMU is exploring expanding into a full-blown Bachelor of Science program.
“Michigan has a large aviation economy, and we strive to prepare leaders who are sought after by the aerospace industry,” says Thompson, who credits Sen. Gary Peters for advocating for the funding to be included in the appropriations bill.
“We are immensely grateful for Sen. Peters’ advocacy and thankful that he recognizes Western Michigan University and the College of Aviation as a leader in aviation education,” says WMU President Russ Kavalhuna.
“The future of aviation depends on young people who are interested in this field and equipped with the training and expertise to succeed. The senator’s advocacy will help us enhance our program with state-of-the-art curriculum and technology to attract the next generation of aviation professionals. This is an exciting time for the University.”
A recent report from Boeing indicates a need for 660,000 new pilots and 710,000 new maintenance technicians worldwide in the next 20 years. Western’s College of Aviation is actively working to grow its enrollment and realign curriculum with these industry needs through new initiatives such as:
- Further developing stackable credentials such as Federal Aviation Administration dispatcher, uncrewed aerial systems and aviation supply chain.
- Providing state-of-the-art equipment for aviation maintenance technician training.
- Increasing the use of virtual reality and augmented reality for training.
- Recently upgrading to a new fleet of Cirrus TRAC20 G7 aircraft—the most advanced training aircraft in the world.
The new federal funding will also support recruitment and outreach efforts so that Western can better reach the next generation of aviation professionals.
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