Bombardier has inaugurated its first dedicated in-house skills development centre for newly hired technicians and mechanics from across America. The North American Learning Center is based at the company’s site in Wichita, Kansas, and will provide specialised skills development for the workforce supporting customers across Bombardier’s American service network.
The programme is intended to foster continuous learning and provide employees with a strong foundation for their careers at Bombardier.
An inauguration ceremony was held at the site with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Lieutenant Governor David Toland, Bombardier senior leaders and industry stakeholders.
The Learning Center is one part of a broader investment in Bombardier’s Wichita operations, focused on people, capabilities and infrastructure. The approximately $50m investment also covers the recently expanded Wheel and Tire Shop, which combines the latest equipment with employee training to extend Bombardier’s component repair and overhaul (CR&O) capabilities.
“Wichita has long been an important part of Bombardier’s story, and we continue to see tremendous opportunity for the site,” said Paul Sislian, executive VP, aircraft sales and Bombardier aftermarket services. “Our approximately $50m investment brings together important initiatives across the site, from the new Learning Center to expanded wheel and tire capabilities, strengthening both our people and our operations. This commitment to Wichita’s future will deepen the expertise and capabilities that will allow us to deliver an even stronger experience for our customers, while positioning the site for continued growth.”
“Since 2019, my administration has partnered with Bombardier to build up the company’s presence in Wichita, which today now includes the new Learning Center, Bombardier Group’s US headquarters, home of Bombardier Defense and the employment of 1,500 Kansans,” said Governor Kelly. “Bombardier’s new $50m investment underscores the enduring strength of the partnership between Bombardier and Kansas, and one that I expect will continue long into our shared future.”
Bombardier has 10 service and manufacturing facilities across America, including an upcoming service centre in Fort Wayne, Indiana. It has approximately 3,500 employees and a supplier spend $2.5bn across America.
