Talent partnerships bring new skills to Safran Aerospace Composites

August 14, 2018

Safran Aerospace Composites has received high-level recognition in New Hampshire for its talent partnerships with schools and economic development organizations that bring highly-specialized production skills to its Rochester facility, where the company partners with Albany International to produce jet engine components.

The recognition came during a visit of New Hampshire Governor Chris Sununu and the state’s Executive Council to Great Bay Community College’s (GBCC) state-of-the-art Advanced Technology & Academic Center (ATAC) on August 8. 

Safran’s Rochester operation produces 3D woven composite parts using RTM (resin transfer molding) technology in manufacturing blades and fan cases for CFM International LEAP jet engines, which power the latest generation of single-aisle commercial jetliners.

This production activity requires skills not typically found in the region. To grow its production volume, the company partnered with GBCC, the New Hampshire Department of Resources and Economic Development and local high schools in developing training in Advanced Composites Manufacturing which focuses on short-term advanced manufacturing and technical programs that lead to employment in high-demand fields.  

The company also partners with local high schools, providing tours for both students and educators to learn about careers in advanced manufacturing and aerospace.

The success of these efforts is underscored by the impressive numbers to date: more than 100 students have graduated from GBCC's advanced composites manufacturing program since 2014, with 30 of these graduates being employed by Safran; over 300 high school students have toured ATAC as part of the Little League of Manufacturing partnership; and 150-plus educators have engaged in tours and hands-on training to better understand advanced manufacturing careers.

In addition to the search for skilled new-hires, Safran Aerospace Composites also sent eight employees through the advanced composites manufacturing program to position them for additional career opportunities.

Building on this experience, a new pilot education-work partnership has been launched involving Safran Aerospace Composites and the Rochester Schools/Great Bay Community College Workforce Development Program. It offers a free, two-semester internship that includes concurrent courses and credit at Spaulding High School and GBCC – with students receiving real-world training and responsibilities at Safran.