The future of flight starts here: Textron Aviation introduces nearly 1,500 students to aviation careers during National Manufacturing Day

Textron Aviation welcomed nearly 1,500 middle and high school students from 40 Wichita-area schools to explore aviation careers for National Manufacturing Day.

Hosted Oct. 1-2, 2026, at the Textron Aviation Activity Center, the event connected classroom learning to high-demand careers in aviation manufacturing, engineering, operations, maintenance, technology, supply chain and business support. Students visited 26 interactive booths featuring teams from across the company, showing the range of career paths that support aviation.

Building a strong aviation workforce starts long before a student applies for a job. Textron Aviation works with schools, technical colleges and universities to create experiences that help students connect their skills and interests to meaningful careers in aviation.

Students explore the cockpit of a Cessna Turbo Skylane, getting an up-close look at the avionics technology.

Students watch a wind tunnel demonstration explaining the aerodynamics of flight.

Students experience the aviation manufacturing process by assembling a personal Manufacturing Day keepsake from parts to production.

Nearly 150 employees volunteered each day to share their career experience to offer real-world insights to students.

Students take control of a flight-testing simulator, build a circuit, experience how high-altitude pressure affects aircraft and test thermal imaging machinery.

Learn more about Textron Aviation’s career pathways at txtav.com/careers.