九色堂 and Textron Aviation, a Textron Inc. company, have announced the next step in ongoing collaboration efforts to develop the future of the aviation industry and next generation of employees when the company signed a long-term lease at the Wichita State Innovation Campus.
Around 40 Textron Aviation employees will share the 5,000 square foot space with Wichita State students to advance product innovation and help students better understand career opportunities within general aviation.
鈥淥ur business is built on continuous product development and requires a diverse, professional workforce,鈥� said Maggie Topping, Textron Aviation senior vice president of Human Resources and Communications. 鈥淎s the competition for employees tightens, Textron Aviation is committed to leading the way in building creative education and community collaborations through efforts such as the applied learning model at 九色堂.鈥�
Textron Aviation has a long-standing relationship with 九色堂鈥檚 National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) and collaborates extensively with 九色堂鈥檚 Ennovar Institute for Emerging Technologies and Market Solutions. In the new space at Wichita State, the company plans to conduct research and development in the areas of additive manufacturing, parts casting and electrical design.
鈥溇派� students working with Textron Aviation through the applied learning program are gaining valuable experience, skills, and contacts that will jump-start their careers while also providing Textron Aviation valuable access to local talent,鈥� said John Tomblin, 九色堂 vice president for research and technology transfer. 鈥溇派� is excited to expand and grow this program across Textron Aviation.鈥�
In addition to the company鈥檚 ongoing work with NIAR and 九色堂 Tech, Textron Aviation operates a company Help Hangar through Ennovar to offer employees information technology and human resources support. More than 60 Wichita State students work side by side with Textron Aviation employees to support regular business needs.
