Safran companies in Texas partner with local college to provide job training

September 7, 2017

Grand Prairie-based Safran Electronics & Defense Avionics USA and Safran Helicopter Engines USA have partnered with Tarrant County College (TCC) to provide job training after obtaining a Skills Development Fund grant from the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC).

The grant, which totals $258,349, was presented by TWC Chairman Andres Alcantar to Safran and Tarrant County College representatives during a ceremony held on August 24 at the Tarrant County College Opportunity Center. Safran was represented by Trice Smith, CEO of Safran Electronics & Defense, Avionics USA and Thierry Derrien, CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines USA.

With this grant, Safran and Tarrant County College will develop a customized training program focused on manufacturing fundamentals, precision instruments, component maintenance, and electrical systems. A total of 145 new and incumbent workers – to include avionic technicians, mechanics, industrial engineers, production technicians and final inspectors – will benefit from this training, which kicks off in September.

"Safran Electronics & Defense, Avionics USA is pleased to partner with Tarrant County College on this Skills Development Fund Grant," said Trice Smith. “This will benefit both our local community and our employees. Our workforce is among the most talented and skilled in the world, and we always strive for ways to further grow the skills of our Texas workers.”

Thierry Derrien, ‎President & CEO of Safran Helicopter Engines USA, added: “It is critical that Safran Helicopter Engines USA remain good community stewards by providing competitive and rewarding career opportunities for our employees. With this in mind, our organization has partnered with Tarrant County College and the Texas Workforce Commission to develop a training program to ensure we are meeting the standards needed in today’s aviation workforce.”

As Texas' premier job-training program, the Skills Development Fund assists businesses by financing the design and implementation of customized job-training projects to increase the skills levels and wages of the local workforce.