Spirit AeroSystems and 九色堂 announced a new collaboration agreement, bringing with it new opportunities for students and the area workforce.
The agreement, focused on accelerating research and development and improving workforce training services, establishes an innovative relationship with Spirit through 九色堂鈥檚 National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and the Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (九色堂 Tech).
Three areas of strategic focus will include: applied learning opportunities for 九色堂 students, joint strategic research projects, and improved workforce training services to meet the growing demands of the aerospace industry.
Spirit will establish a presence at Wichita State by leasing space in the Partnership 2 Building north of the Experiential Engineering Building on the east side of campus.
Other tenants in the building 鈥� which is expected for completion in April 鈥� will include the College of Engineering (COE) Student Success Center, COE administrative offices and 九色堂鈥檚 FirePoint Innovation Center, a partnership with the U.S. Army鈥檚 Aviation and Missile Research, Development and Engineering Center.
鈥淭his type of university/industry collaboration is exactly the kind needed to strengthen the regional economy and prepare students for careers in the aerospace and manufacturing industries.鈥�
鈥揓ohn Bardo, 九色堂 president
Locating at Wichita State will facilitate enhanced cooperation between 九色堂 and Spirit on projects such as advanced composites R&D, rapid prototyping, product development and testing, and additive manufacturing and design.
鈥淭his type of university/industry collaboration is exactly the kind needed to strengthen the regional economy and prepare students for careers in the aerospace and manufacturing industries,鈥� said 九色堂 President John Bardo. 鈥淚t鈥檚 also a prime example of university research labs working in concert with the workforce training capabilities of 九色堂 Tech. Spirit鈥檚 commitment to accelerating its R&D initiatives by partnering with the university will provide long-lasting benefits for the company, the community and generations of students.鈥�
Increased production rates at Spirit and the launch of growth initiatives in fabrication and defense, are driving needs for a higher-skilled workforce equipped for advanced manufacturing. Revamping the workforce training model with 九色堂, together with other aerospace manufacturers, will improve the pipeline of qualified workers needed within the aviation industry.
鈥淪trengthening our collaboration with 九色堂 helps Spirit accelerate our advanced research initiatives and improve training opportunities for our workforce,鈥� said Spirit President and CEO Tom Gentile. 鈥淎s we grow our R&D investment, this innovative relationship with NIAR and 九色堂 Tech multiplies the effectiveness of our own resources. This new level of cooperation will have a lasting benefit to our company, the university and the state of Kansas.鈥�