After high demands for this program, the new Advanced Systems Technology training center at the Topeka Regional Airport and Business Center is having an open house this weekend. Washburn Tech has greatly expanded the Advanced Systems program in response to strong industry demand for graduates.  The Kansas Department of Labor projects there will be more than 5,000 Advanced Systems Technology job openings in Kansas between 2010 and 2020. The event will be held Saturday, Nov. 17, from noon to 2:00 p.m. 

Advanced Systems Technicians troubleshoot, repair and maintain manufacturing machinery and equipment to keep production lines and distribution systems in working order.  Graduates in the high demand Advanced Systems Technology field may earn an average of $20.00 per hour to start in Northeast Kansas and experienced technicians may earn much more. 

”Advanced Manufacturing, represented by many employers in Topeka, demands a rapidly growing skill set in our local workforce. The Advanced Systems Technology program at Washburn Tech will prepare our existing and future workforce to fill these well-paying jobs and is critical to the success of growth in Topeka and Shawnee County” said Dawn Wright, Vice President of Economic Development at the GO Topeka Economic Partnership.

Visitors to the Open House will be able to visit with instructors about the Advanced Systems Technology program and career opportunities within the field.  Department of Veterans Affairs staff will also be available with information about federal tuition benefits for veterans and their families.

The expansion of the Advanced Systems Technology program is funded 100 percent through a

$19.6 million U.S. Department of Labor Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant (TRAC7) and with the support of the area business community.

The new Advanced Systems training site is located on J Street just two and one-half blocks south of 4 Street North at the Topeka Regional Airport.  More information and a map to the training site is located on the Washburn Tech website at www.washburntech.edu on the Upcoming Events page

For more information on Washburn Tech visit their website www.washburntech.edu.