Published: Sunday, March 25, 2012, 12:01 a.m.
Washington's challenge: Maximize aerospace
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The Boeing Co.
Boeing's 737 MAX, shown in an artist's rendering, will have new, more fuel-efficient engines. Like the current 737, the updated jet will be built in Renton.
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ow that the 737 MAX has landed in Renton, state commerce officials and politicians are keeping their seatbelts fastened for the next leg. They're sticking with a plan to grow the aerospace industry in Washington -- with renewed confidence and humility, hoping to build on Boeing's affirmation.Public colleges and universities, meanwhile, have a mandate to train and educate many more skilled workers and engineers than before so the aerospace talent pool remains strong.
Some of these efforts are already paying off. Others are just getting under way. This special report explores the state's bluer skies:
• State won 737 MAX, but can't afford to rest on its laurels
• 737's long history in Washington gave state an edge
• How aerospace hiring pays off in Snohomish County
• State's next challenge: Landing 777X and 787-10 work
• Q&A: The candidates for governor on aerospace
• State steps up its efforts to produce more engineers
• Today's kindergartners are tomorrow's engineers
• Community colleges put federal money to work on aerospace training
• Apprenticeship program plans to help machinists become engineers
• Paine Field training center is a model for success
• Aerospace in Washington equals Boeing plus 650 suppliers
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