2/12/2013

PHOTO: Kestrel's Steve Serfling

Wisconsin Indianhead Technical College on Tuesday announced plans to launch its new aviation composite technology program in August.

Ever since Kestrel Aircraft announced plans to manufacture airplanes in Superior, WITC has been working with the company to develop a program based on composite technology to provide a skilled workforce manufacturing aircraft bodies. The curriculum was developed in just 24 months, said Charlie Glazman, associate dean of continuing education. Initially, the program's capacity will be 20 students with another 20 students starting in January.

Participants will have the option of earning an associate two-year degree or a three semester technical diploma.

“WITC leadership and faculty responded to Kestrel’s need for future composite technicians by working with Kestrel to aggressively define and create an Aviation Composite Technician degree program and launching this program this fall. This has been an outstanding cooperative effort, which parallels the effort by the city of Superior,” said Steve Serfling, Kestrel's chief operating officer and executive vice president for product development.

“From the outset of our move to Superior, WITC and Kestrel began working together to ensure that an educated workforce is available locally as we grow the business and start production of the Kestrel aircraft,” Kestrel CEO Alan Klapmeier added.

“WITC is delighted to have received the Wisconsin Covenant Grant which provides $600,000 for WITC to create a Composite Technology program to meet the needs of our partners in the aviation industry. WITC and Kestrel have developed a strong partnership and are working closely and collaboratively to ensure that the WITC is providing a quality program that is accessible and affordable to students,” Campus Administrator Diane Vertin said.

At a Tuesday news conference, Superior Mayor Bruce Hagen and Douglas County Board Chairman Doug Finn issued a joint proclamation declaring February "Career and Technical Education Month."

"As a society, we need to make a commitment to technical education and all it brings to us," Finn said.

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