Regional Aerospace Workforce Initiative (RAWI) Focuses on Transition of Aerospace Workforce

By Brevard Workforce    www.launchnewcareers.com

With the Space Shuttle program slated to end in 2010, industry leaders across the region are working to manage the economic impact of the massive downsizing of this large, highly skilled workforce. Utilizing a Regional Innovation Grant, Brevard Workforce formed a regional partnership with the Florida High Tech Corridor Council, Workforce Central Florida and the Center for Business Excellence to create an integrated regional strategy to address this issue.

Since June of this year, the Regional Aerospace Workforce Initiative (RAWI) has worked to build ties with economic, business and government leaders from Brevard, Flagler, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole and Volusia Counties to respond to the needs of the aerospace workforce.

 
Beginning with an analysis of the resources available in the region, the RAWI team determined what gaps exist in how economic development, workforce, education and industry communicate with one another when faced with a large workforce layoff. A Core Regional Leadership Group was established to provide oversight and implementation of the regional strategy -- a group that meets quarterly to assist with such activities as mapping out the regional training assets, providing a more comprehensive understanding of targeted industry clusters, identifying the existing infrastructure and the support organizations that can assist in the workforce mission.

Brevard Workforce estimates more than 9,200 workers will be affected by the Space Shuttle program retirement, (aerospace and support personnel) representing a combined income of $600 billion dollars, with a secondary contribution to the Florida economy of $2.6 billion. 

What can business do?

Business leaders are urged to share their current and future workforce needs, including specific skills in targeted industries, in order for RAWI to design education and training programs that will best prepare workers for jobs in growing and emerging industries. Companies that can provide opportunity in a growth industry are encouraged to contact RAWI for more information on security workers to fill these positions.

For more information about RAWI and the Aerospace Workforce Transition Program and how you can be involved, contact:

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