HAI - Houston, TX - February 22, 2008 - Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. (NYSE: TXT) company, announced that its training Academy and the Aeronautics Department at Sacramento City College are working to develop an innovative partnership bridging industry training and education. Both institutions provide FAA certified training.
In the first phase of this agreement, Bell Helicopter Training Academy (BHTA) will endorse the Sacramento City College (SCC) Aeronautics courses and provide the BHTA approval on the Certificates students earn. Launa Barboza, director of Bell's training academy stated, "This will provide students with an educational certificate recognized by an industry leader, as well as the foundation needed to continue more advanced technical training at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy in Forth Worth, Texas." The implementation for this phase will occur at Sacramento City College with the Summer 2008 semester.
In the second phase of the agreement, BHTA will provide SCC with curriculum for new courses to be taught by Aeronautics faculty at the SCC campus. Implementation for this phase will occur with the Fall 2008 semester.
For the final phase of the agreement, Sacramento City College and BHTA are working together to find a way to provide students attending selected courses at the BHTA the opportunity to earn college credit for successful course completion. Selected BHTA faculty will become SCC instructors. BHTA students will enroll online with Sacramento City College and register for courses.
This partnership will provide multiple benefits for students of both institutions. SCC students will have their certificate programs acknowledged by an industry leader, and the opportunity for more advanced technical training at Bell Helicopter Training Academy. BHTA students will have the opportunity to earn college credit for selected courses, forming a solid foundation for continuing education and future completion of an Associate's or Bachelor's degree.
Additionally, the partnership will provide opportunities for faculty to collaborate for ongoing instructional improvement and student success. The partnership will be an innovative and outstanding model of productive cooperation and collaboration between industry and education.
The Aeronautics Department at Sacramento City College celebrates its 75th year of providing FAA-certified certificates and Associate Degrees in Flight Technology, Airframe and PowerPlant Maintenance, Helicopter Maintenance, Non Destructive Testing and Inspection. Sacramento City College is located in Sacramento, California and accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges.
About Bell Helicopter
Bell Helicopter is an industry-leading producer of commercial and military, manned and unmanned vertical lift aircraft and the pioneer of the revolutionary tilt rotor aircraft. Globally recognized for world-class customer service, innovation and superior quality, Bell's global workforce serves customers flying Bell aircraft in more than 120 countries.
About Textron Inc.
Textron Inc. is a $13.2 billion multi-industry company operating in 34 countries with approximately 44,000 employees. The company leverages its global network of aircraft, industrial and finance businesses to provide customers with innovative solutions and services. Textron is known around the world for its powerful brands such as Bell Helicopter, Cessna Aircraft Company , Jacobsen, Kautex, Lycoming, E-Z-GO, Greenlee, Fluid & Power, Textron Systems and Textron Financial Corporation. More information is available at www.textron.com.
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