Aerospace Workshops

Workshop A - Learning to Solder - Build a Bug - Classroom 12
Are you interested in soldering but don’t know how to get started? We can teach you! This hands-on lesson is made even more impactful with a soldering board that lights up to signify how much light is getting to the photosensor. With this new-found skill, you can begin the path towards careers in jewelry, electronics, air conditioning and heating, sheet metal work, and much more!

Workshop B - Digital Twins & Simulation in Transportation (2 hour workshop)- Classroom 11
Take your place on a virtual racing crew! Experience, hands-on, how digital twins and simulations are used to enhance real-world development cycles (like vehicles, roads, and traffic flow) that are fed with real-time data from sensors and IoT devices. Start your engines (computers) and work with your teammates to improve your on-track performance driving a race Sim while you explore a different side of the transportation industry.

Workshop C - DroneTech sUAS Technology- Classroom 10
Experience the exciting world of Drones! Did you know that drones are no longer just used for recreation? More and more, we are finding ways that drones can be of use to us and make life easier. In DroneTech sUAS Technology, learn how drones in the air, on the land, and in the sea are helping our lives and the world around us.

Workshop D - Electronics Concepts with Spintronics - Classroom 9
Join us for the opportunity to understand electronics and computing in a whole new way. Rather than tell you what's happening in a circuit, let us show you with Spintronics. Feel the resistance, feel the pull of voltage, and watch the current flow. This hands-on activity is fun and easy and is an excellent way to learn engineering concepts!

Workshop E – Drones in Law Enforcement (AM workshops only)- Classroom 8
Discover how police use drones to keep communities safe! In this exciting workshop, you will join us for a thrilling, hands-on, and cutting-edge world of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) and how they're transforming modern law enforcement! You'll learn how they assist with search & rescue, accident scenes, and more. You'll see a live drone demo and get a close-up look at real police tech in action. This workshop is perfect for students interested in technology, criminal justice, public safety, or aviation. Don't miss your chance to see how high-tech tools are making a difference in the real world—and maybe spark a future career!

Workshop E – Day in the Life of an AMP (PM workshop only)- Classroom 8
Curious what an AMT does on a typical day? Join us to see for yourself! Learn about jobs and current salaries in our area and around the United States. Learn what the expectations are of students in the Northland AMT program and in the workforce. This session will wrap up with a Q&A and an overview of how a turbine engine works, including an explanation of the differences between turbine and reciprocating aircraft engines.

Workshop F - Aviation Careers & Flight Simulators - Classroom 5-6
Are you ready to learn how to take off into the wild blue sky? With our variety of flight simulators, you can come get a feel for flight. Also in this class, you will learn the basics of flight, including the use of the instrument panel, how to read the instruments, takeoff and landing procedures, and other interesting rules of the air. Our instructors will go over aviation career options, pathways from school to career & so much more.

Workshop G - Experience Composites (2-Hours) - Composites Lab
Advanced composites are becoming more and more common in a wide variety of industries these days. Once found primarily on military and commercial aircraft, materials like carbon fiber, Kevlar, and glass fiber can now be found on unmanned aerial systems, wind turbine blades, automobiles, trains, and a host of other products we see and use every day. We will conduct a 2-hour hands-on course designed to impart basic knowledge of composite materials and help students understand some of the industrial applications of these amazingly strong and lightweight materials. This workshop includes a lab activity, where students will assemble a composite part that they can take home.

Workshop H – Discover Autonomous Tech- UAS Hangar
Do you think you have what it takes to be a technician for autonomous systems? We do! Dive into the world of virtual reality. Test your flight skills by flying a drone through the Aerial Drone Competition course. Check out Esports in the Garden Valley gaming trailer. Get hands-on with several STEM table activities. Learn how all these activities directly tie to the programs that Northland has to offer.

Workshop I - Experience Drone Racing- Multi-Purpose Hangar
Ever wondered what it’s like to fly a drone from the pilot’s seat? This action-packed workshop gives beginners the chance to experience the thrill of first-person-view drone racing. Learning the basics with a drone racing simulator, then take to the skies with real micro FPV drones and race against other first-time pilots in a fun, competitive setting, and see how you stack up against your peers. Whether you’re curious about drones, love video games, or are looking for a high-speed new hobby, this is your chance to fly!

Workshop J - Discover Aviation Technology- Swenson Hangar
Come on in and discover what the Northland Aerospace campus has to offer. Our 86,000 square foot facility features a state-of-the-art hangar, housing over 20 aircraft, including a DC-9 that was owned and donated by the Detroit Pistons NBA team! Hop inside the cockpit of an aircraft, become an AMT student through hands-on activities, such as riveting, sheet metal, sim welder, and sim painter, aviation avionics, and learn about aircraft engine.

Workshop K - Next-Gen Aviation: How Part 107 is Changing the Sky - Electronics Lab
Have you ever been watching a movie, sports game, or commercial and noticed those breathtaking overhead shots of the action? Or seen a farmer using drones to spray crops with precision? Behind those moments are certified professionals trained under the FAA’s Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) regulations — experts in aerial imaging, safety, and technology.

We’re excited to invite your company to host a booth at the upcoming Experience Northland Aerospace event! This unique event is a valuable opportunity for employers to share their experiences and insights into in-demand careers. Unlike traditional job fairs focused on immediate hiring, this event centers on career exploration, giving students the opportunity to learn about a wide range of career paths before they begin planning for college or training.

By participating, you’ll be helping guide young people toward exciting futures while investing in the development of tomorrow’s workforce. Registration for booths closes November 10th, 2025

Sign up for a booth today using the link below: 
Experience Northland Career Booth Registration

At the Experience Northland Aerospace event, you’ll have the chance to meet with a variety of companies eager to share what they do and the exciting careers they offer. These employers come from industries like aerospace, manufacturing, technology, and more—and they’re here to give you a behind-the-scenes look at the skills and jobs that are in demand today.

It’s a great opportunity to ask questions, explore career paths, and discover what kind of work might interest you in the future! See the list of companies joining us in November below.

Digi-Key
Located right here in Northland’s own backyard, Digi-Key is an electronic component distributor quickly reaching the top of the global ladder with a variety of career opportunities. With over 6.5 million orders processed each year, we are proud of our accomplishments and hope to help you reach your career goals at Digi-Key. For more career information, visit Digi-Key

General Atomics
We work in innovative technology, developing solutions for everything from remotely piloted aircraft systems to laser technologies and the nuclear fuel cycle. If you join our company, you will create opportunities for yourself and the world! If you have a vision, we may have a place for you. For career information, visit General Atomics

Central Boiler
Central Boiler was established in 1984 in Dennis Brazier’s small workshop near Greenbush, Minnesota, and has grown into a 300,000-square-foot facility manufacturing outdoor wood furnaces. Our technologically advanced heating system is sold all over the United States and Canada. Central Boiler relies on mechanical engineers, industrial engineers and technology, as well as engineering technicians and robot/laser programmers to design and create our popular heating systems. For more information, visit Central Boiler Central Boiler

Marvin Windows
Prides themselves on crafting custom windows and doors since 1912. Beginning as a family-owned cedar and lumber company in nearby Warroad, Minnesota, Marvin Windows has a wide variety of career options available here in the northern Midwest and throughout the nation. If you would like to learn more about how you can become part of a team whose purpose is to "Imagine and Create Better Ways of Living", check out Marvin Windows

Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a global technology company with careers in designing aircraft, digital tech, or even building spacecraft. You could join our team of 95,000 employees with careers across all domains: air, land, sea, cyber, and even space. Join us at Northrop Grumman and make a difference in our world. For more career information visit Northrop Grumman

Sun Country
Founded by former Braniff Airline pilots and flight attendants in 1983. Sun Country operated charter flights to popular locations from the Twin Cities, later acquired a DC-10 to fly international trips, and in 1999 began scheduled service. Sun Country is not your average airline. They are agile, resilient, and full of unique opportunities. Grow as part of an ambitious team that safely and collectively supports each other, our travelers, and our community.

Bemidji Air
Bemidji Air’s slogan “We Can’t Fly Without You” is not just a message for passengers. It’s for you! Bemidji Air is looking for certified mechanics and technicians to work on their 50-aircraft fleet. Get your certification here at Northland and then discover the beauty of Bemidji and the family at Bemidji Air. For more information about careers, visit Bemidji Air

The College Place
The College Place Northern Minnesota teaches students all about personal finance. Our lifelong accounts are free! We also assist students in planning for college. We can help you with your resume, provide information on scholarships, FAFSA and additional resources. Come check us out! Visit The College Place

Machinewell
Located right in our backyard in Grygla, MN, Machinewell, Inc. has been a supplier of quality machined and/or welded parts since 1976. Machinewell, Inc. works with a variety of metal types as well as plastics. The 30,000 square foot facility houses two machine shops, a welding shop, and a research and development shop, providing prospective employees a variety of career options. To learn more about Machinewell, Inc., check out their website. Machinewell

Bismarck Aero Center
We are the region’s largest aircraft maintenance and avionics facility with a variety of career opportunities. With 80,000 square feet of hangar space and a full maintenance shop, we have space for top aviation technicians to show off their skills. For more information, visit Bismarck Aero Center

Workshop space is limited so if you are interested in this event please email ncat@northlandcollege.edu for information on workshop availability.

NCTC Aerospace Campus -- located next to the Thief River Falls Regional Airport.
13892 Airport Drive
Thief River Falls, MN 56701
Please park in the East Parking Lot (next to the highway) and use the East Entrance.