Aug. 22--CEDAR RAPIDS -- Stability, a precious commodity in today's job market, is abundant in the aerospace work force, the keynote speaker at the Rockwell Collins Engineering Experiences Kick-Off Breakfast said Friday.

The industry is facing a raft of baby boomer retirements and a shortage of trained technological graduates, according to Marion Blakey, president and CEO of the Aerospace Industries Association. Nearly half of the current work force is older than 50, with 12 percent eligible for retirement. At the same time, aerospace engineers are expected to have 10 percent growth in employment through 2016. While the sluggish economy has diminished the number of workers seeking retirement, the numbers are expected to pick up as the economy approves. "Most of our companies will have a work force with over 50 percent at retirement age in 10 years," Blakey said.

Some companies address this issue by outsourcing jobs. However, aerospace and defense contracts dictate that most design work on military systems be done by American citizens.

"And, to be frank, we want to keep these jobs in the U.S.," Blakey said.

At the Friday breakfast, Blakey spoke to area educators about the impact their jobs have on the future of the country's engineers.

Also attending were Rockwell Collins employees and retirees who mentor students in the program. Rockwell Collins employees spend 15,000 hours a year introducing students to careers in technology, engineering and math.

-- Contact the writer (319) 398-8434 or meredith.hinesdochterman@gazcomm.com

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