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Arlington, Va. - Singapore government officials tapped the knowledge of Aerospace Industries Association experts Friday in an effort to map out strategies to boost the aerospace manufacturing in their country. Four representatives of the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) visited AIA headquarters as part of a fact-finding tour of different industries in the United States. >Singapore is home to substantial aerospace-related commerce since it is an Asia hub for many airlines. Many large manufacturers, both U.S.-based and international, also have operations in the country. The aerospace industries in the U.S. and Singapore share several common workforce challenges, including the collective aging of workers and downward trends in young people coming into the industry. In the U.S. total employment in the aerospace sector stood at 583,300 last year, a drop from a high of 1.12 million 1990. Statistics show the downward trend ended in February, with a gain of 11,000 jobs since June. AIA has worked on a national plan to revitalize the aerospace workforce as one of its 10 priorities this year. AIA officials shared some strategies to combat these challenges, including pushing for scholarship programs in related fields of study and strong partnerships between industry and government. They also highlighted the annual Team America Rocketry Challenge contest that boosts interest in aerospace among high- and middle-school students. AIA Policy and Planning Vice President Sandra Carney-Talley stressed the importance of reaching out to young people early to plant the seeds of aerospace careers. "You've got to think of an innovative way of engaging your students,'' Carney-Talley said. The Singapore representatives said they would like to see a stronger aerospace advocacy organization in their country based on the AIA model. The visiting Singaporeans were WDA Deputy Directors Leonard Ling and Margaret Leong, Assistant Director Ng Jia Huey and Manager Clara Teo.
Visit AIA’s homepage at www.aia-aerospace.org
Contact: Matt Grimison, AIA
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