Broadcast on WLOS on Feb. 15, 2023
Asheville–Buncombe Technical Community College is offering free, fast-track courses to help train the workforce needed for the new Asheville Pratt & Whitney facility. The project is expected to create 800 jobs by 2027.
“Basic shop math, blueprint reading, how to read precision measuring tools, all necessary stuff for the job,” technical training instructor Ryan Capetti said.
The 16-hour fast-track training course can lead to full-time employment at Pratt & Whitney. About 40 people have registered for the training.
“We are here to serve the community and train based on what those needs are in our community,” said Deborah Wright, A-B Tech's vice president for Economic & Workforce Development and Continuing Education.
In order to participate in the fast-track training, a person must first submit a job application to Pratt & Whitney.
“The best thing about having them here is the jobs they can provide and that can be life-changing for a lot of our community members,” Wright said.
A spokesperson for Pratt & Whitney said, to date, nearly 200 employees have been hired, with 80% of those hires being local. There are 26 positions in Asheville posted on the company’s website.
Asheville’s Pratt & Whitney facility is expected to begin processing parts in the second quarter of 2023.
Pratt & Whitney Fast Track Training schedule options:
- Session 1:
- Saturdays, Feb. 18 and Feb. 25, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Session 2:
- Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 21-24, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Session 3:
- Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 21-24, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Session 4:
- Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 28-March 3, 12:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Session 5:
- Tuesday through Friday, Feb. 28 through March 3, 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
- Session 6:
- Saturdays, March 4 and March 11, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.