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UA – Pulaski Tech, Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance celebrate avionics program launch

The University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC) and the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance (AADA) celebrated the official launch of the new UA-PTC Avionics Program at an event Thursday, Oct. 16 at the UA-PTC Aerospace Technology Center in North Little Rock.

AADA President Mark Bremer, Arkansas State Senator Jane English, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald, and industry representatives joined UA-PTC leadership, program faculty, and students to outline the ways the new program will address skills gaps and further propel Arkansas as a national leader in aerospace and defense.

The event began with welcome remarks followed by a facility tour. One Avionics classroom featured a demonstration of Pennant Software’s cutting-edge computer training capabilities used in technical training. An AADA board meeting and working lunch followed.

"We are profoundly grateful to every partner in the Aerospace Centers of Excellence endeavor,” said Summer DeProw, chancellor of  UA – Pulaski Tech. “This isn't just a college initiative; it’s a commitment shared by industry leaders like Dassault Falcon Jet, Arcturus Aerospace, the Arkansas Economic Development Commission, and the Arkansas Aerospace Defense Alliance. The collaborative model we've adopted extends to the North Little Rock School District, the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, and Apprenticely. This is not just a program launch, but the beginning of a long-term, self-sustaining future for workforce talent development in the aerospace sector."

The workforce development initiative is the product of the $2.5 Million HIRED Grant for the Aerospace Center of Excellence (ACE) announced last year. The grant, secured with support from industry partners like Dassault Falcon Jet and Arcturus Aerospace, is dedicated to substantially expanding employer-aligned training in avionics, aviation maintenance, and composites.

“Good things happen when the private and public sectors work together, said Executive Director of the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance Chad Causey. “Arkansas aerospace and defense companies provided input on what is needed for sector success and our State leaders acted. This one-of-a-kind avionics program in Arkansas will be a catalyst for industry growth and AADA is proud to play a small role in supporting the Governor and her team to bring this initiative to fruition.”

The new UA-PTC Avionics Program is a specialized training track designed to prepare students for certification as Certified Aircraft Electronics Technicians (CAET). This high-demand program will provide hands-on experience in diagnosing, repairing, and wiring complex electronic systems, including communications, navigation, and flight instruments. This initiative, part of the ACE objectives, aims to create clear educational pathways and internship opportunities for diverse learners, including high school students and incumbent workers.

About the Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance

The Arkansas Aerospace & Defense Alliance is a group of public and private aerospace companies, government agencies, and educational institutions dedicated to growing the aerospace, aviation, and defense infrastructure in Arkansas and training a qualified workforce.

Pictured left to right: UA-PTC Provost Ana Hunt, AADA President Mark Bremer, Arkansas Secretary of Commerce Hugh McDonald, Arkansas State Senator Jane English, Arkansas Aerospace and Defense Alliance Executive Director Chad Causey, and Arkansas Department of Higher Education CFO Nick Fuller