RENTON, Wash. (Metro) -- With Boeing planning to shift 737 production into high gear at its Renton plant, KING 5 news reports city officials are making plans of their own to meet the aerospace giant's growing demand for skilled workers.
Renton anticipates eleven-hundred new jobs this year, with more jobs generated among Boeing contractors and satellite industries.
Half of Boeing's workforce will reach retirement age in the next five years.
The company foresees more than 600-thousand aircraft maintenance technicians will be needed worldwide over the next 20 years.
City Communications Director Preeti Shridhar says the city is fast-tracking its work with Renton Technical College to expand the school's aerospace training program.
School spokeswoman Susanna Williams says they're doubling the program's capacity and a new facility will open at the Renton Airport in 2013, to offer high-level training through a 12-week course.
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