Textron Aviation opens new Career and Learning Center

Textron Aviation has announced that its new Career & Learning Center is complete and fully operational, serving prospective, current and future employees. Located on the company’s East Wichita campus, this facility expands the training footprint to more than 75,000ft².

“The Textron Aviation Career & Learning Center is an important investment in building the next generation of aviation manufacturing, support and professional talent,” said Ron Draper, president and CEO. “Recruiting, hiring and training a world-class workforce is vital to our ability to provide the best aviation experience for our customers.”

The centre is divided into four zones.

Career Zone

Textron Aviation is actively hiring and welcomes walk-in applicants at the Career & Learning Center Career Zone lobby. Dedicated recruiters provide prospective employees with personalised support at every step, from resume assistance to role matching and job applications. Public operating hours are 7:30am to 4:30pm Monday through Friday, with extended hours until 6pm on Wednesdays.

3 people behind reception desk, talking to one person on the other side of the desk — The Career Zone lobby. Image courtesy of Textron Aviation

Pre-Employment Zone

Pre-employment processes are housed on-site for a one-stop location for new employees to complete onboarding, WorkKeys testing and new hire training.

3 people seated at desks with dividers in-between, two people standing — The Pre-Employment Zone. Image courtesy of Textron Aviation

Learning Zone

Professional and technical training rooms are equipped to develop employees’ skills. In addition to classroom learning, the west bay hangar features a simulated manufacturing floor, to prepare newly hired mechanics with hands-on experience. With eight weeks of training and support, this model is designed to equip employees new to aviation manufacturing with the technical knowledge needed to move seamlessly into permanent roles with increased confidence and productivity.

three people with aircraft fuselage section — The Learning Zone. Image courtesy of Textron Aviation

Design. Build. Fly. Zone

The dedicated K-12 space – intended to develop early interest in aviation as a career – accommodates age-appropriate, hands-on activities to engage students and educators alike. Students can interact with a Cessna Skyhawk 172 simulator, a popular trainer aircraft.

presenter speaking to a group — The Design. Build. Fly. Zone. Image courtesy of Textron Aviation

“We are passionate about creating environments where future and current employees can be inspired and thrive,” said Maggie Topping, SVP of human resources and communications. “The Career & Learning Center is equipped with the latest technology to provide realistic environments for training scenarios that mimic the reality of our manufacturing operations, setting our employees up for success from day one.”

This more than US$40m project is part of Textron Aviation’s multifaceted approach for developing its workforce, by focusing on ongoing skill development, certification and talent development activities. In recognition of the importance of aviation to the state, Kansas awarded Textron Aviation US$3,325,000 for a portion of the facility construction as part of the Aviation Learning Opportunities & Funded Training (ALOFT) grant. The project was supported by Wichita-based vendors and contractors, including SPT Architecture, Conco Construction and Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC).

Textron Aviation encourages applicants to join the team by exploring current job openings here or by visiting the Career & Learning Center at Suite 400, 293 S. Greenwich Rd, Wichita, Kansas 67206.