A group of nine inmates at the Winfield Correctional Facility are learning skills needed to get jobs in the aircraft industry as part of a new program that started this week.
The new vocational program, entitled AeroStructures Technology, began Monday and includes classroom and lab instruction on manufacturing skills, life skills and aircraft sheet metal. Participants were chosen using various screening criteria including aptitude and physical dexterity testing, according to a written statement from WCF announcing the program.
The 14-week program is funded through the work investment act and is the result of a partnership between the Kansas Department of Commerce, Kansas Department of Corrections, Greenbush, Cowley College and Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas/Arbor E&T.
The program was started because of the high demand for skilled aircraft workers in this region of the state.
A grand opening ceremony for the program is set for this Monday at 10:30 a.m. at the correctional facility.
