BILL REQ. #:  H-3383.1 

READ FIRST TIME 04/20/09.   

     AN ACT Relating to the aerospace workforce futures act; and adding a new chapter to Title 28B RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The aerospace industry is critically important to the economic vitality of Washington. Present throughout the state, the aerospace industry accounts for over thirty-six billion dollars in economic value to Washington. With forty-four aerospace jobs per one thousand workers in Washington, the state is the highest per capita aerospace employer. A highly skilled and highly educated workforce is a key ingredient to the continued vitality and growth of the technology-driven aerospace industry throughout the state.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) The Washington institute of aerospace technology and advanced manufacturing is created to improve the state's aerospace training, education, research, and development programs by coordinating, providing, and developing curriculum for a statewide consortium of schools and programs that provide aerospace workforce education and training.
     (2) The institute shall be operated and administered as a multidimensional education, training, and certification center specifically designed to:
     (a) Integrate cutting edge research and development into the training and education of a skilled workforce;
     (b) Foster the creation and retention of family wage jobs in the aerospace industry; and
     (c) Facilitate growth and innovation in the aerospace industry throughout the state.
     (3) The institute shall emphasize public-private partnerships and provide a forum for effective interaction, collaboration, and partnership between and among the state's aerospace industry, labor, institutions of higher education, workforce training and education coordinating board, innovation partnership zones, and other public and private entities.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   (1) The institute shall be headquartered in Snohomish county and initially administered by the board of trustees of Edmonds Community College.
     (2) By January 1, 2010, the institute, jointly with the Washington council on aerospace, shall submit a preliminary report to the governor and the legislature. The report shall identify:
     (a) The current existence and statewide distribution of education at the two and four-year colleges and universities, research, and job skills programs that relate to the needs of the aerospace industry and its workers;
     (b) Existing programs that should be consolidated or expanded;
     (c) New, innovative, and cutting edge programs that should be commenced;
     (d) Interested industry, labor, and education partners;
     (e) Funding for operation of the institute; and
     (f) A recommended governance structure.
     (3) The institute and council shall jointly submit a final report by September 1, 2010, which includes recommended legislation and budget requests that will enable the institute to initiate its work in the 2011-2013 biennium.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Sections 1 through 3 of this act constitute a new chapter in Title 28B RCW.