​

Robinson Helicopter Company, headquartered at Zamperini Field in Torrance, is a global leader in the design and manufacture of civil rotorcraft, producing the widely recognized R22, R44, and R66 models, including the new R88. As one of the South Bay’s anchor aerospace employers with more than 1,000 employees, Robinson plays a critical role in sustaining the region’s advanced manufacturing ecosystem. 

The company has partnered with the SBWIB through the Aero-Flex pre-apprenticeship program to strengthen the aerospace talent pipeline. Robinson has hosted Aero-Flex cohorts for on-site factory tours, providing students and job seekers with valuable exposure to the real-world processes of helicopter manufacturing. These experiences bridge classroom instruction with hands-on understanding of precision machining, quality assurance, and safety standards essential in the aerospace sector. Robinson has also collaborated with SBWIB on the development of registered apprenticeships in welding and sheet-metal, two skill areas directly tied to their production lines. 

Through this partnership, participants gain clearer career pathways and increased motivation after experiencing the realities of modern aerospace manufacturing, while Robinson benefits from a more prepared pool of entry-level candidates. SBWIB, in turn, strengthens its employer-driven training model by using Robinson’s feedback to expand curriculum and program offerings across the regional aerospace cluster. This collaboration exemplifies how employer engagement in Aero-Flex not only enhances individual participant success but also drives long-term workforce resilience for the South Bay aerospace industry.