Jobs In Aerospace - Industry Overview

The aerospace industry reflects the spirit and courage of America. Born in the early years of the last century, the U.S. aerospace industry is today the world's leader.

From origins with the Wright brothers' 1903 flights at Kitty Hawk to the contemporary world of sophisticated jet, rocket, and missile technology - U.S. aerospace continues to be diverse, fast-paced, and cutting-edge.

Today, hundreds of high technology American companies along with NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and other federal agencies work collaboratively in the major sectors of aerospace including commercial air, space exploration, national defense, and research and development.

U.S. aerospace employment currently totals over a million professionals working in good-paying jobs. With about a quarter of all current aerospace workers reaching retirement age in the next few years, there will be many new high wage career opportunities. What kind of opportunities? To name a few:

• electronics and other scientists and engineers;
• computer programmers and network systems specialists;
• avionics and engineering technicians;
• aircraft and spacecraft structural, surface, and systems assemblers; and
• engine and aircraft assemblers and mechanics.

In addition to these aerospace specific occupations, there will be demand for business managers, administrative support specialists, accountants, technical writers, and others.

Jobs in Aerospace - Training & Education

In order to work with complex, high-tech equipment, many aerospace jobs require participation in a formal training program. Community colleges and 4-year universities often provide such aerospace training programs.

While some jobs may require short training programs of only a few days or weeks, other jobs require a two-year Associates Degree or even a four-year Bachelor's Degree. These programs may focus on engineering, electrical and mechanical systems, composite materials, Computer-Aided Design, and other topics.

Many workers choose a community college when they want to upgrade their skills or to enter a new field. It is now common for a person with a college degree to attend a community college to update work skills.

Community colleges are also flexible. Nearly 50 percent of their students work full time, so they offer courses at convenient times.

Jobs In Aerospace - College Links

Plug in your ZIP or state, and find community colleges that offer training/programs in aerospace.

Plug in your ZIP or state, and find 4-year colleges that offer courses in aerospace.

Source: Career Voyages (collaboration between U.S. Departments of Labor and Education)