COEUR D’ALENE, Idaho – North Idaho College (NIC) has been chosen to advance in NASA’s Aerospace State Hubs for Skilled Technical Workforce Initiative to address a projected shortage of 1 million aerospace and defense workers by 2030, NIC said in a release.
NIC, along with the Coeur d’Alene Area Economic Development Corporation and the regional Aerospace Tech Hub, is among 15 organizations asked to submit a concept paper to NASA.
“Being part of this next phase with NASA demonstrates that North Idaho College is positioned as a critical player in preparing students for high-demand technical careers,” NIC President Nick Swayne said. “This recognition validates the quality of our academic and workforce training programs while opening new opportunities for students in our region.”
NIC and its partners will work with a NASA liaison to develop a concept paper due by September 17. Selected hubs will present their plans at the NASA STEM Workforce Summit at Kennedy Space Center, Merritt Island, Fla., from September 23-25.
This fall, NIC launched an Airframe and PowerPlant Mechanic Apprenticeship at its Workforce Training Center in Post Falls, providing hands-on aviation maintenance training.
Colby Mattila, NIC’s Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development, emphasized the importance of connecting students to careers. “This is about building bridges from high school through college and into the aerospace workforce,” Mattila said.
If NIC’s concept succeeds, it could lead to program expansion, showcasing North Idaho’s talent and partnerships, NIC said in the release.
