76th Maintenance University officially opens its doors at ribbon cutting ceremony

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • 72nd Air Base Wing, Public Affairs
Once upon a time, several Tinker leaders envisioned an environment that was conducive for training the 76th Maintenance Wing personnel. They deemed their vision, the 76th Maintenance University and it officially opened today (March 9). 

After a year of planning and several months of construction, their vision was completed in January inside Bldg. 2122. 

"We just want to let the 76th Maintenance Wing employees know we are here and we want to help," said Brandi Smith, 76th MXW program analyst. 

Prior to the Maintenance University's establishment, maintenance employees attended training in outdated facilities and students are now able to attend classes in a clean, nice, climate-controlled area, Ms. Smith said. 

The Maintenance University offers eight classrooms, two of which are computer-equipped for systems training, and has 10 individual computer stations that may be used to by any 76th MXW employee to complete computer-based training, conduct personal Air Force business or access their e-mail accounts. There are a total of 98 student seats. 

Courses taught at Maintenance University include Hazardous Waste Management, B-52 Egress System Cockpit Familiarization initial and refresher course, Hazardous Chemicals and Air Force Materiel Command Maintenance Orientation. 

The Maintenance University will also offer the Worldwide Interactive Network, better known as WIN, in its course load. 

"WIN is a software program that provides employees the opportunity to improve their workforce skills," Ms. Smith said. "It provides an assessment system that is skills specific and provides remedial training to raise employee aptitude." 

Areas of improvement in the WIN program include applied math, applied technology, listening and locating information. There is also observation, reading for information, teamwork, writing and business writing. 

"Eighty percent of maintenance training will be taught at the university," Ms. Smith said. 

The remaining 20 percent will be taught at the already established Mid-Del Tinker Training Center in Bldg. 1. 

The Maintenance University is more than 8,000 square feet and cost roughly $2 million to build, Ms. Smith said.