December 9, 2009...

On October 28 Boeing announced it had chosen North Charleston as the location for a second final assembly site for the 787 Dreamliner aircraft. The Dreamliner program is, of course, dependent upon skilled workers. Trident Technical College will work closely with readySC to prepare Boeing’s initial work force. Also, Trident Technical College will work to ensure a pipeline of workers through our academic programs, such as Aircraft Assembly Technology and Aircraft Maintenance Technology, as well as our continuing education programs. The information below explains the three types of aviation-related training offered at TTC.

1. readySC™, a division of the S.C. Technical College System: Available only to Boeing-Charleston trainees/employees The readySC™ division of the S.C. Technical College System provides pre- and post-employment training for permanent and contract employees of  Boeing-Charleston. Only people employed or selected by Boeing-Charleston for possible employment are able to participate in readySC™ training. South Carolina offers customized training through readySC™ (a.k.a. CATT—Center for Accelerated Technology Training) for free or at minimal charge as an economic development incentive to attract business and industry to the state, and to encourage growth of existing business and industry. The state’s technical colleges work closely with readySC™ in the development of training programs and provide facilities and other support services. readySC™ has a permanent office on TTC’s Main Campus. Currently, readySC™ aviation training is held in TTC’s Aeronautical Training Center, which is located in Building 920 on Main Campus in North Charleston. To accommodate future Boeing training requirements, readySC™ plans to use its training facility in Building 950 on TTC’s Main Campus for aviation training. For information about readySC™ programs visit www.readysc.org. Jobs with Boeing-Charleston can be found at http://www.sctechjobs.com/. readySC™ anticipates that recruiting for training opportunities for the new Boeing facility will not begin until approximately June 2010.
   
   
2. TTC Academic programs: Available to anyone interested in earning an academic associate degree or certificate TTC’s Division of Aeronautical Studies offers academic associate degree and certificate programs in two different career tracks - aircraft assembly and aircraft maintenance - that vary in length from two to six semesters. All of the aeronautical studies academic programs provide college credit and are open to any student on a space available basis. The Aircraft Assembly Technology certificate program prepares students for employment in the aviation manufacturing field by providing instruction in aircraft design and construction, aircraft materials, and hardware and tools used in aircraft assembly. Boeing-Charleston counts TTC’s Aircraft Assembly Technology certificate as manufacturing experience, so students who graduate from this program are in a better position for employment than applicants who have no aircraft manufacturing experience. The Aircraft Assembly Technology program is offered on Main Campus in North Charleston. The Aircraft Maintenance Technology associate degree program and Aircraft Maintenance Airframe, Aircraft Maintenance General, and Aircraft Maintenance Powerplant certificate programs prepare students to repair and maintain aircraft of all types, as well as earn certification by the Federal Aviation Administration. Aircraft maintenance technicians are employed by a variety of companies around the world, including major airlines and aircraft manufacturing companies such as Boeing. The aircraft maintenance programs are offered on Berkeley Campus in Moncks Corner.
   
   The Dean of the Aeronautical Studies Division, Dr. Barry Franco, is working with his faculty and Boeing-Charleston managers to develop new programs which will meet the needs of the local aerospace industry. For more information about TTC’s Aeronautical Studies programs visit www.tridenttech.edu/aeronautical_studies.htm. Anyone interested in enrolling in one of TTC’s academic programs must submit a college admission application and be accepted to the college before registering for classes. To apply online click here. For registration dates and information, click here. All Spring Semester aircraft assembly and aircraft maintenance classes are full. There is a waiting list for admission into these programs. Students are accepted into the programs on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis.
   
   To be put on the waiting list, you should submit a college admission application, take the college placement test and then contact the appropriate program coordinator:

1. TTC Continuing Education Division’s customized training programs: Available to Boeing-Charleston trainees/employees and contractors who need certification to work at these plants TTC’s Division of Continuing Education and Economic Development offers customized training for Boeing-Charleston, as well as training for contractors who need certification to work at these plants. The division also provides training for recertification of contract and permanent employees. The division provides other training for Boeing-Charleston including CATIA training, OSHA safety training, teamwork/supervisor training, and manufacturing engineer process review training. For information about TTC’s Continuing Education programs visit www.tridenttech.edu/ce.htm.

Frequently Asked Questions

I heard you offer training for employment at Boeing Charleston – how can I get into the next class?

If you are interested in employment with Boeing Charleston, go to www.sctechjobs.com to view current job openings and to fill out an application. TTC does not select individuals for training or employment for Boeing. We do offer customized training for these companies through the readySC program, but that training is only open to people Boeing selects for employment.

TTC does offer aircraft assembly and aircraft maintenance academic programs that are open to the public on a space-available basis. Completing one of these programs does not guarantee employment with Boeing-Charleston, but will give you experience in the aeronautical industry that can be applied to a broad range of jobs with many different companies.

All Spring Semester aircraft assembly and aircraft maintenance classes are full. There is a waiting list for admission into these programs. Students are accepted into the programs on a first-qualified, first-admitted basis. To be put on the waiting list, you should submit a college admission application, take the college placement test and then contact the appropriate program coordinator:

Aircraft Maintenance:

Lonnie Burbage

Dana Coombs

Aircraft Assembly:

Tom Kamenicky

Undecided:

Dr. Barry Franco

Please be patient. Because of the high interest in these programs, it may take some time before your e-mail is answered.

How long are your academic programs?

We offer certificate programs that take from two to three semesters, and a six-semester associate degree program.

How can I get more information about your academic programs?

Information about our academic programs can be found on our Web site at www.tridenttech.edu/aeronautical_studies.htm.

Who can I talk with about the academic programs?

You can call the division office at 574-6223. If you choose to leave a message, we appreciate your patience as we return the large volume of inquiries in the order that they were received.

How does one apply for employment with Boeing Charleston now?

Jobs with Boeing Charleston can be found at www.sctechjobs.com. readySC™ anticipates that recruiting for training opportunities for the new Boeing facility will not begin until approximately June 2010.

Links

• readySC -- http://www.sctechjobs.com/
• Boeing -- http://www.boeing.com/
• Global Aeronautica -- http://www.globalaero.us/
• TTC Aeronautical Studies -- www.tridenttech.edu/aeronautical_studies.htm