Manufacturing in this country isn’t what it used to be, and to get a good job in this evolving sector, job candidates often need sophisticated and specific math and engineering skills.
That is precisely why Metropolitan State University of Denver is developing a cutting-edge program designed to funnel workers to the state’s robust aerospace and aviation manufacturing industry.
This alignment of education and industry will serve both business and young people in Colorado looking for good-paying careers.
We’re glad to see Metro State taking the lead in creating this program and getting support from the state and industry.
Earlier this month, the legislature’s Joint Budget Committee approved a proposed state capital budget that includes $14.8 million for the university’s new aerospace and engineering building.
Metro State is working closely with industry to create a practical facility where students can learn how to meld computer science, engineering and computer-aided design to build space vehicles and engage in other tasks.
The money to build the program reflects the partnerships involved. Metro State president Stephen Jordan explained to us that three partners — the university, the state and industry — each have pledged $20 million toward the Aerospace Engineering Sciences facility and program.
The four-story building will house classrooms, labs, offices and event spaces. It’s designed to display a satellite or other piece of space hardware that motorists on Auraria Parkway can see.
“Colorado has the second-largest workforce in aerospace, but was not able to find people who did advanced manufacturing — assembling parts, designing systems and putting people out into space,” Jordan said in an interview with the Denver Business Journal. “The workforce need is still around that kind of a person.”
If all goes according to plan, that need will soon be filled in a way that’s good for industry and for Colorado.
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