Clover Park Technical College is pleased
to announce the appointment of Andy Bird, Instructional Dean for Technology, Transportation
and Science/Engineering as the new Aerospace Liaison.
Dean Bird’s new area of responsibility
includes directing the more than $2.2 million in federal and state
aerospace grants recently awarded to the College. In addition to membership on
several community committees dedicated to promoting the growth of the aerospace
sector Dean Bird will manage the development of new grant opportunities as well
as new degree and certificate programs at the college, including a possible applied
baccalaureate in this field.
Since 2008, Bird has led the College’s
efforts to form a strong partnership with its aerospace industry partners,
including Boeing. With the recent, steady growth of the aerospace industry,
Clover Park is establishing itself as a recognized leader in aerospace career
training programs. The College has been recognized for the quality of its
programming and the strength of its industry partnerships.
“In today’s economic times, every
college is trying to identify a niche in which it can excel,” said Lori
Banaszak, Vice President for Instruction. “Thanks to our industry partners, our
long history in the Aviation field, the growth of the industry today, and our
well-established South Hill Aviation Campus, we have positioned ourselves for
growth. Andy Bird will do a great job leading this effort.”
Andy Bird holds a Bachelor of Science
degree in Biochemistry and a Master’s degree in Education, both from Western
Washington University. He has been with Clover Park Technical College since
2007. Prior to Clover Park, Bird held leadership positions in the K-12 system
as well as in the classroom teaching science and mathematics.
Clover Park has spent decades building a
strong foundation in the aerospace industry beginning in the 1940’s with
Professional Pilot and Aviation Maintenance Technician programs. Recently, the
college has added Aerospace Composite Technician and Material Science.
Both of these new programs have waiting
lists.
Grants
Help Expand the Aerospace Programs
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| Aerospace Composite Technician program |
In September, more than $2.2 million in grants were awarded to
Clover Park Technical College in support of the College’s aerospace-related
training programs. The news is timely considering Boeing and its subcontractors
may need up to 5,000 trained workers per year in the coming years.
Clover Park Technical College
successfully operates three aerospace training programs at our South Hill
Campus including: Aerospace Composite Technician, Aviation Maintenance
Technician, and Professional Pilot.
The Lakewood Campus offers two
aerospace-related programs in Manufacturing Technologies and Material Science.
This new Material Science program
provides the opportunity to pursue an AAS-T degree in Non-Destructive Testing
or an AAS-T degree in Composites and/or a certificate in Eddy Current Testing.
Additional certificates in Ultrasonic Testing, Radiographic Testing and
Magnetic Particle/Liquid Penetrant Testing will follow in subsequent quarters.
###
About Clover Park Technical College:
Clover Park Technical College offers more
than 50 career training degree and certificate programs in the areas of
business, computer information and technology, health sciences, manufacturing,
construction and trades, multimedia design, and personal care services. The college also offers certification, online
and distance learning, as well as continuing education courses.
For more information call 253-589-5800,
or visit www.cptc.edu/careers, www.cptc.edu/aerospace
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| Aerospace Composite Technician program lab at the South Hill Campus |
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