Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation to offer guaranteed interviews for Metallica Scholars
Wichita, KAN – WSU Tech is ready to rock the workforce with the new Metallica Scholars program. This scholarship program will offer training in a high-demand field, paid tuition and fees, and a guaranteed job interview. Eligible programs include aviation sheetmetal and process mechanic (paint). Students can get started as soon as October and be completed in just 8 weeks. Metallica Scholars will also have a guaranteed job interview with one of Wichita’s top aviation companies, Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation.
“We are extremely thankful to be a Metallica Scholars school again this year,” said Dr. Sheree Utash, President of WSU Tech. “Over the last few years, we have seen numerous lives transformed by the educational opportunities, financial assistance and career guidance this initiative has provided to them. We are excited to expand this program and further our relationships with Spirit AeroSystems and Textron Aviation to provide a clear career pathway during these exceptionally uncertain times.”
This is the third time WSU Tech has been selected from a competitive field of community colleges across the country to receive $25,000 to transform the future of students in the community. Funded by Metallica’s All Within My Hands (AWMH) and led by the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the Metallica Scholars Initiative was designed to directly support students while also elevating the importance of career and technical education. This work is highlighted at a global level by leveraging the influence of Metallica who continue to speak out on the dignity of professional trades and community colleges that prepare students.
“The foundation and the band pay attention and follow these programs and students, and there is no doubt that lives have been changed. What makes this work so unique is that in addition to supporting students directly, our goal is not just to change individual lives, it is to unabashedly promote the trades as meaningful and well-paying career pathways. We are not afraid to be loud nor to dig in on things we believe in, and we believe in these students,” said Dr. Edward Frank, executive director of AWMH.
“We are proud to work with Metallica to advance the career and technical education provided by the nation’s community colleges,” said Walter G. Bumphus, AACC’s president and CEO. “Colleges across the country provide pathways to well-paying jobs through programs, services and training that lead to in-demand skills, certificates and degrees for students. These programs are responsive to the needs of local businesses and provide a pipeline of qualified workers to local industry. It’s a win-win for our students and the local economy. For Metallica to continue to invest in these students and communities is a testament to the power of the workforce education community colleges provide and we are proud to do this work with them.”
James Hetfield, Metallica’s vocalist/guitarist and co-founder said, “As a touring entity we are in direct involvement with multiple essential career choices along our path. From electrical, professional driving, culinary, mechanical maintenance, public safety and logistical organizers. And that just scratches the surface. Those, along with a multitude of other technical careers, make our touring and our performances possible. We are passionate and grateful to these trades and tradespeople.”
Applications for the Metallica Scholars program are being accepted now. Scholarships are limited and available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more details and to see all eligibility requirements visit www.wsutech.edu/MetallicaScholars.
