By Janice Phelan,
August 13, 2019
The 欧美视频-Lee鈥檚 Summit and the Lee鈥檚 Summit R-7 School District鈥檚 are partnering to launch a new program focusing on avionics and unmanned aircraft
systems (drones) career pathways. The two educational leaders are seeking individuals
working in the avionics industry to join an Avionics Advisory Board for the program.
The board鈥檚 first meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Missouri
Innovation Campus (MIC), 1101 NW Innovation Parkway. The MIC houses both UCM-Lee鈥檚
Summit as well as the Lee鈥檚 Summit R-7鈥檚 Summit Technology Academy. Lunch will be
provided.
鈥淲e are thankful for the partnerships that have facilitated the development of these
programs,鈥 said Dr. Phillip Bridgmon, UCM provost and vice president for academic
affairs. 鈥淭hey reflect a collective commitment to regional stewardship and aligning
our efforts to meet student interests and exciting professional opportunities. The
advisory board will be integral to our continued work and will provide key guidance
as these new programs achieve their full potential.鈥
The initial advisory board meeting will be facilitated by Joe Mullins of UCM and Dr.
Jeremy Bonnesen, Summit Technology Academy director/principal. Several nationally
recognized avionics organizations have already agreed to be a part of the advisory
board including the Aircraft Electronics Association and ULTRAX Aerospace, both headquartered
in Lee鈥檚 Summit, and Duncan Aviation. In addition, representatives from the City of
Lee鈥檚 Summit and the Lee鈥檚 Summit Economic Development Council plan to participate
in the Advisory Board.
鈥淭he avionics program answers the call from industry to develop the next-generation
of aviation professionals,鈥 said Mike Adamson, president and CEO of Aircraft Electronics
Association. 鈥淎vionics is the most exciting field in aviation, combining the high-tech
world of computers with modern airframes, advanced propulsion systems and NextGen
communication, navigation and connectivity solutions. This is one of only a few high
school programs in the country where graduates are prepared to start a career right
away or dramatically accelerate their path through college.鈥
The avionics program will be targeted toward both high-school and college students
with a goal of enhancing the talent pipeline for a qualified workforce. The program
will fill a unique need in this region by emphasizing both avionics and unmanned aircraft
systems.
鈥淭he avionics pathway provides dynamic career opportunities for a high wage, high
demand field that impacts air travel and aviation systems around the world,鈥 said
Bonnesen. 鈥淭his field is quickly progressing in exciting ways to change the face of
air travel as we know it today. Giving high school students the ability to engage
in advanced and accelerated preparation for this amazing workforce is a game changer!鈥
鈥淯CM Workforce and Professional Education is excited to work with both private and
public organizations to build this regional talent pipeline in avionics and unmanned
aircraft systems,鈥 Mullins said. 鈥淲ith the combined assets and expertise of the organizations
involved, we have the opportunity to create very unique programs for the Kansas City
area.鈥
Avionics includes the electronic systems used on aircraft, artificial satellites and
spacecraft. Examples are communications, navigation, monitoring, fuel systems, collision-avoidance
systems, flight recorders, radar and sonar.
With the help of the Avionics Advisory Board members, UCM and Lee鈥檚 Summit R-7 staff
members will build curriculum and other aspects of the avionics program. Following
the launch of the avionics component, the partnering organizations will begin work
on the development of an unmanned aircraft system.
In addition to curriculum development, board membership responsibilities will include
assisting with industry certification identification and development, entrepreneur
component integration, career pathway and internship/apprentice pathway development.
The advisory board will meet more frequently initially while developing the program
with meetings decreasing to twice each year after the program launches.
The 欧美视频鈥檚 Workforce Development programs offer face-to-face
and online industry-recognized programs designed to fit the schedule of busy adults.
UCM offers entry-level training as well as courses geared toward professionals wanting
to advance in their careers. Through UCM鈥檚 Warrensburg campus, the university offers
fully accredited aviation degree programs and certificates. UCM鈥檚 Skyhaven Airport,
located in Warrensburg, is the only university-owned airport in Missouri.
For more information, avionics-industry officials interested in serving on the advisory
board may contact Mullins at jmullins@ucmo.edu or Bonnesen at jeremy.bonnesen@lsr7.net.