Federal Grant Will Boost Aviation Training at WMU

KALAMAZOO, Michigan — Western Michigan University recently received an $819,000 federal grant to boost aviation workforce training.

“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,” says Dr. Raymond Thompson, dean of WMU’s College of Aviation.

“Western’s flight program is already recognized among the nation’s best, and this new funding will take the university’s aviation education and workforce development to the next level,” officials added.

The money will be used to purchase tools such as simulation software, maintenance training simulators, and cockpit electronic trainers, among other technology. It will also pay for new equipment for the college’s uncrewed aerial systems operations certificate program, which WMU is considering expanding into a Bachelor of Science program.

“Michigan has a large aviation economy, and we strive to prepare leaders who are sought after by the aerospace industry,” says Thompson, who credits Sen. Gary Peters for advocating for the funding to be included in the appropriations bill.

The university’s College of Aviation is actively working to grow its enrollment and realign curriculum for the future, officials said, pointing to new initiatives such as:

• Providing state-of-the-art equipment for aviation maintenance technician training.
• Increasing the use of virtual reality and augmented reality for training.
• Upgrading to a new fleet of Cirrus TRAC20 G7 aircraft.

For more information: WMich.edu