Western Michigan University receives funding for aviation workforce training

Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation has received $819,000 in federal funding from an appropriations bill recently signed into law thanks to support from Senator Gary Peters. The funding will allow the College of Aviation to purchase new equipment and develop recruitment strategies to continue the program’s growth and development.

According to an article on Western Michigan University’s website, university president Russ Kavalhuna was quoted as saying of the award, “We are immensely grateful for Sen. Peters’ advocacy and thankful that he recognizes Western Michigan University and the College of Aviation as a leader in aviation education. The future of aviation depends on young people who are interested in this field and equipped with the training and expertise to succeed. The senator’s advocacy will help us enhance our program with state-of-the-art curriculum and technology to attract the next generation of aviation professionals. This is an exciting time for the University.”

The aviation program at Western Michigan University is recognized as one of the best in the country. According to a report from Boeing, the aviation industry is in need of 660,000 new pilots and 710,000 new maintenance technicians in the next 20 years. As such, the university’s College of Aviation is working to develop its program offerings to prepare more students to fill these roles.

Dr. Raymond Thompson, the dean of the university’s College of Aviation, said, “At a time when the industry is seeing a shortage of aircraft technicians, this funding will put Western in a position to increase the number of qualified graduates and enhance the pipeline of talent we’ve created for our industry partners. Michigan has a large aviation economy, and we strive to prepare leaders who are sought after by the aerospace industry.”

With this federal funding, the College of Aviation will purchase simulation software, maintenance training simulators, and cockpit electronic trainers, as well as equipment for its uncrewed aerial systems operations certificate program. The university is exploring the possibility of developing the certificate program into a bachelor degree program. In addition to equipment purchases, the funding will help support outreach and recruitment efforts to encourage more students to pursue an aviation education at Western Michigan University.

For more information about Western Michigan University, visit the school’s website.