Workforce Pipelines
Aerospace Without a Four-Year Degree
Not every aerospace career requires a college degree. Boeing's Core Plus Aerospace program in Washington state proves it: a free two-year high school CTE curriculum that has placed 1,400+ graduates directly into Boeing manufacturing jobs since 2015, earning $25/hour starting — $80K-$100K+ with overtime and benefits — with zero student debt.
This matters because the aerospace industry doesn't just need engineers. It needs aircraft structures mechanics, composite technicians, avionics installers, quality inspectors, CNC machinists, and sheet metal workers. These are skilled, well-paying careers that start in high school — and they're in desperate demand.
Core Plus Aerospace — The Model
| Detail | Core Plus Aerospace |
|---|---|
| What | Two-year CTE curriculum developed by Boeing and gifted to Washington state |
| Where | 62 high schools and skills centers in Washington state |
| Cost | Free |
| Year 1 (Core) | Shop safety, hand/power tools, precision measurement, fasteners, print reading, manufacturing math, applied physics, hydraulics/pneumatics/electrical, soldering |
| Year 2 (Plus) | Aerospace principles, skin protection/sealing, gap measurement/shim work, fluid lines, advanced composites (carbon fiber/fiberglass), robotics, quality assurance, capstone |
| Boeing Student Development | Paid summer program at Boeing Everett, Renton, or Auburn. $16.28/hour ($17.28 returning). 100+ students/year. Real work in real factories. |
| Post-Graduation | Boeing Pre-Employment Training (BPET) fast-tracks graduates. Aircraft Structures Mechanic: $25/hour starting. |
| Results | 1,400+ graduates hired since 2015. ~$100M combined annual earnings. $0 student debt. |
Beyond Washington State
Core Plus is currently Washington state only, but the model it demonstrates applies nationally:
- GE Aerospace Rutland VT Apprenticeship: 3-year Advanced Machinist program, 6,000 hours on-the-job + 14 college courses (GE pays). Running 50+ years, 350 graduates. No degree required.
- GE Aerospace Lafayette IN: 18-36 month Powerplant Technician program earning an FAA powerplant license. No degree required.
- General Dynamics Electric Boat SHIP: 8-week paid high school program in submarine construction. ~97 slots. Groton CT / North Kingstown RI.
- FAA A&P License: Available through community colleges and Part 147 schools. Aviation maintenance technicians start at $50K-$60K and can reach $80K+ with experience. Aviation HS Queens offers this for free.
- SkillBridge: Veterans can train at Boeing, Lockheed, GE, and Embry-Riddle during their last 180 days of service while keeping military pay.
The math is compelling. A Core Plus graduate enters Boeing at 18 earning $52K base ($80K-$100K with overtime and benefits). A four-year engineering graduate enters at 22 earning $75K-$90K — but carries $30K-$100K+ in student debt and missed 4 years of earnings. By age 26, the Core Plus graduate has earned $400K+ with zero debt. The right path depends on your career goals, but the idea that you need a degree for a good aerospace career is simply wrong.