CSW partnered with the Washington State Center of Excellence for Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing to develop a new center focused on unmanned and autonomous systems, including aerial drones and self-driving vehicles.
The newly minted Center of Excellence for Unmanned & Autonomous Systems (COEUAS) based in Sunnyside, Washington will focus on ensuring Washington State has the skilled workforce needed to support multiple industries in this emerging sector. The dedicated Center of Excellence will coordinate and connect education and industry partners in the development of career pathways, innovative curriculum, and workforce development.
“The Center of Excellence model in Washington State has been a proven strategy to address workforce and economic development challenges,” said Ryan Davis, President and CEO of CSW. “Over the past decade, the other centers in Washington have been at the forefront of industry-education partnerships in changing sectors including smart grid technologies, mechatronics in aerospace manufacturing, and information technology and the new center will continue this trend.”
CSW provided technical assistance for the new center including a labor market analysis and asset map to identify short, medium, and long-term opportunities. The project leverages CSW expertise in sector strategies, the credential economy, and building communities to ensure opportunity and equity in the future economy.
At the Washington Association of Career and Technical Educators (ACTE) summer conference, CSW presented with Andrew Kupser, the inaugural director of the new center and Mary Kaye Bredeson the Executive Director of the Center of Excellence for Aerospace and Advanced Manufacturing. High School instructors are already using drone technologies to spur student interest in mechatronics, engineering, skilled trades, IT, and business career pathways. Kupser highlighted a truck manufacturer developing autonomous transport vehicles who is already experiencing a shortage of skilled systems maintenance technicians.
CSW invites our partners to learn more about the center at www.coeuas.com and on twitter @coeuaswa for the latest information and updates on this exciting new sector and the innovative efforts to serve industry and students.
Comments are closed.