Textron Aviation unveils $40 million career center in Wichita
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Textron Aviation officially opened its $40 million Career & Learning Center in Wichita on Wednesday, aimed at enhancing workforce development in the aviation industry. The center consolidates hiring, training, and educational outreach to support talent development.
The 75,000-square-foot facility features four zones, each designed for a specific stage of employment, ranging from job applications and onboarding to technical training and student engagement. The aviation company says that the center demonstrates a commitment to attracting and developing skilled professionals in aviation manufacturing and support roles.
'This facility is an important investment in building the next generation of aviation talent,' Ron Draper, Textron Aviation president and CEO, said. 'Recruiting, hiring, and training a world-class workforce is vital to our ability to provide the best aviation experience for our customers.'
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly praised the facility as a model for workforce partnerships.
'This new career and learning center is way more than just a building—it's a partnership,' she said during Wednesday's ribbon-cutting event. 'Textron is training and hiring the next generation of Kansas workers.'
Wichita's coming Broadway season brings unique tour debuts
The project received $3.3 million from the ALOFT grant program to support apprenticeships, manufacturing training, and K-12 aviation education, featuring spaces for flight simulators and STEM activities.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran also spoke at the event, highlighting the federal commitment to promoting aviation as a national strategic asset.
'I hope that everyone who has a dream to do something with their lives finds this facility available to them,' Moran said. 'We want the bright future we envision for Kansas to be built here.'
Rep. Ron Estes added that the new center reinforces Wichita's reputation as the 'Air Capital of the World.'
'Textron continues to lead in education and workforce preparation. This facility will not only help train aviation workers—it will strengthen our national economy and defense,' he said.
For more information or to apply, visit txtav.com/careers.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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