The ACES program coordinator talks about what positions aerospace firms will be looking to hire and what the future looks like for Oklahoma’s fastest-growing industry.
The Oklahoma Aerospace Commerce Economic Services will host a free career fair March 2 featuring some of Oklahoma’s leading aerospace companies to discuss open positions in the industry and provide job search tips for attendees, as well as on-the-spot interview opportunities.
Employers hiring at the career fair include Boeing, Field Aerospace, AAR Corp., Kratos Defense and Security Solutions, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and more.
ACES program coordinator Makila Fields said since aerospace and defense is Oklahoma’s fastest-growing industry, thousands of job opportunities are available in engineering, maintenance, marketing, project management, business development, HR, software development and other areas across the state. And aerospace-related jobs pay approximately 30% above the state average.
“The goal of the 2023 Aerospace Career Fair is to give students, job seekers and employers a chance to establish professional relationships and discuss potential job and apprenticeship opportunities in the aerospace industry,” Fields said.
The career fair will include all levels of qualifications from entry level to experienced engineers, she said, and it will have representation from more than 15 companies, Tinker Air Force Base and the Federal Aviation Administration.
“We are a major hub for MRO, flight training, defense operations and manufacturing,” she said. “Our state is committed to not only growing the aerospace industry but also growing the workforce. Many Oklahoma high schools offer the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association curriculum. We also have nine Oklahoma colleges and universities that offer aerospace degrees and certifications and six technology centers with aerospace-focused training and certifications. Oklahoma is a leader in pipelining students to aerospace careers via strategic partnerships between secondary schools, high schools, universities and Career Tech.”
Aerospace and defense are the second largest sector in Oklahoma, with an economic impact approaching $44 billion annually, which makes it the fastest growing industry in the state, she said.
“In 2018, the state provides its commitment to the aerospace and defense sector by passing legislation to create Oklahoma ACES,” she said. “Led by the Oklahoma Aerospace & Defense Team with the Oklahoma Department of Commerce, ACES has resources dedicated to developing and growing the state’s aerospace industry.”
Job seekers can register for the job fair here.
When:
March 2
10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Where:
Rose State College
Jeanie Webb Student Union
1910 Hudiburg Drive, Midwest City, OK
