The Aerospace Manufacturing Technology program at Nunez Community College was represented at a Space Workforce Roundtable at the White House in Washington D.C. by Nunez Chancellor Tina Tinney, Ed. D.

Dr. Tinney received an invitation to participate in the roundtable discussion, which was facilitated by the Office of the Vice President, the National Space Council, the Department of Labor and the Department of Education, just two days prior to the Oct. 3 event. After leaving the Louisiana Community and Technical College System (LCTCS) Annual Conference in New Orleans Oct. 2, Dr. Tinney flew to D.C., participated in the Space Workforce Roundtable, and caught a return flight to New Orleans within 24 hours.

Nunez’s Aerospace program, represented by Dr. Tinney, was part of a roundtable discussion comprised of approximately 30 federal authorities, education leaders and industry representatives. The focus of the discussion was strengthening, diversifying and growing the aerospace workforce. Educational pathways and industry-based credentials that train future technicians in core competencies were shared.

“Creating a skilled, quality workforce is what we do every day at Nunez,” said Dr. Tinney. “I was honored. I was very proud of the fact that Nunez Community College had a seat at the table and the opportunity to weigh in on a national level.”

The American Workforce Rule is “1:2:7” which means that for every 10 careers in the U.S. economy, only one requires an advanced degree, two require a bachelor’s degree, and the remaining seven require an associate degree or an industry credential that demonstrates a skill. Dr. Tinney shared new research that indicates a shift in the rule to “1:2:10.”

“That’s a critical piece of information because it indicates a higher level of responsibility for the community college system to produce even more skilled individuals to drive our economy. There’s no doubt that the mission of our colleges is what drives economic prosperity,” said Dr. Tinney.

“There was a targeted conversation about the aerospace competency model presented by the Department of Labor and what the curriculum standards should be. The takeaway was ‘we need more technicians and support.’ They need employees in the aerospace industry, and the heaviest weight is not on four-year institutions.”

As a result of the meeting, Nunez Community College will participate in the Space4All campaign launched by the U.S. Department of Education. The campaign STEM awareness campaign was recently

launched to expose individuals to opportunities aligned with the aerospace industry, the economic impact of the industry, and to spark students’ interest in STEM careers and space exploration.

Additionally, Nunez Community College will serve as a subject matter expert in vetting a nationwide aerospace competency model being developed by the U.S. Department of Labor to establish critical curriculum for aerospace pathways.

“It gave me pause walking through those halls, past the doors to the president’s and vice president’s offices,” she said “We’re going to look back at some point and be able to say that Nunez Community College has been engaged in supporting the aerospace industry at the community level, the state level and the national level.”

About Nunez Community College
Nunez Community College is a student-centered institution that delivers relevant and innovative curriculum integrating the arts, sciences, and humanities leading to academic credentials and workforce opportunities. Nunez serves a vital role in the community by engaging with partners to support student success and personal growth. Nunez Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Nunez Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). Nunez is located at 3710 Paris Road, Chalmette, LA. For more information, visit www.nunez.edu.