News
What are we waiting for?
June 4, 2007
Journal Record
By Phil G. Busey
Aerospace is one of the single largest employers in Oklahoma. The industry is expanding from commercial to government. The Journal Record recently published an article, “Graying Aerospace”. The article talks about Boeing and other contractors targeting recruits on-line. We have an opportunity right under our nose. Oklahoma can be a center of aerospace excellence, not just in adding new industry but training America’s aerospace work force. We have all the tools from a premiere Career Technology system to excellent universities coupled with the dominance of defense contractors at three important bases to American Airlines and Spirit AeroSystems in Tulsa. Surrounding these giants are small parts manufacturers and service industries.
The article emphasized the graying of a skilled and trained workforce and need to build future job ranks. Down from a high 1.1 million workers in 1990 the total is closer to 630,000 today due in part to declines in military spending after the end of the cold war. But the Air Force is flying an ever aging fleet which requires more and more maintenance and adding of new and better aircraft. The industry is and will continue to grow. The problem is the ranks of workers between 25 to 34 years plunged from 27 percent in 19092 to only 15 percent in 2005. The article states an important pint that fewer students interested (or aware) of engineering based training causes concern if defense contractors can find the next level of workers they will need. Further, keep in mind while some jobs can be outsourced overseas by other industries, defense security regulations make it difficult for hiring non US citizens in aerospace.
Oklahoma has the educational platform to develop solutions for this industry while contributing to our economy. It requires innovation and hard choices. Tulsa, through Vision 2025, added a one cent sales tax that raised revenue for industry growth and keeping jobs in Oklahoma.. American Airlines received over $28million from this landmark effort. American has a first class facility employing 8,500. It is important to support these type industries. Money is an issue within the military and for infrastructure and training in all our industries. Maybe it is time instead of depending on federal funding the state consider or at least Oklahoma City, a one cent sales tax increase for a stated period to fund job development, training, recruiting and infrastructure in aerospace but other key industries. MAPS was a success for Oklahoma City raising $300million in three years for development. If we bite the bullet for a short time we can create needed revenue for long term growth.
We have to bring business and education together. We have to bring career awareness into the classroom. We can affect our future economic growth positively by being innovative and willing to fund growth and create training opportunities. We don’t have many alternatives. The door is open but it requires action and leadership now.
Phil G. Busey is chairman and CEO of the Busey Group of Companies.