GOODYEAR, AZ., 01/11/2005 -- Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] today announced the launch of a registered Information Technology (IT) apprenticeship program for Native American high school students, in cooperation with the State of Arizona and a number of school districts in the greater Phoenix area. Sixteen students from six schools across the Valley selected for the program will begin training today.

This program is a win-win for all involved in addressing future high technology employment challenges and opportunities, said Dr. Stanton Sloane, executive vice president, Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems & Solutions (IS&S). “We are excited to work with the Governor’s office, the Arizona Department of Commerce, the Native American community and local school districts in this first of its kind youth apprenticeship program in the state.”

In order to attract and retain businesses, Arizona is determined to provide a skilled workforce for employers. The ability to offer attractive career opportunities to its residents improves the state’s chances of retaining workers and attracting talented individuals.

To help Arizona achieve these goals Lockheed Martin is offering the registered IT apprenticeship program that will link students to business leaders, employers, and post graduation full-time employment.

The opportunity to train young people for skilled technological careers acknowledges Arizona's continued economic growth in aerospace and defense related industries,” said Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano. “Apprenticeship programs are a key part of my priority workforce development goal. Lockheed Martin's school-to-apprenticeship program is a practical way to give our residents high tech skills for high tech, well paying jobs.

Partnering with Estrella Mountain Community College, Lockheed Martin will train the students in the newest technologies available to support a wide range of products and services. Training will be focused on math, communications, science, information technology, software systems, engineering, as well as career and professional development. Program components include mentoring, job shadowing, rotational assignments, projects, and hands-on training.

After completing the apprenticeship program, the students will be nationally recognized as Information Technology Technicians – a title equal to a post-secondary certificate. The students will be given the opportunity for full-time employment with Lockheed Martin upon graduation.

The students are required to work eight hours a week during the first year of the program. During their senior year they will be expected to work 12 hours per week, and 28 hours per week during summer vacation months. The final year of the program, the apprentices will work full time in various job rotations.

The Goodyear program is the second IT apprenticeship program for Lockheed Martin. The company initiated the program at its King of Prussia Pa. facility in 2002 with 13 graduates currently employed at Lockheed Martin.

Lockheed Martin’s Goodyear facility employs 700 professionals and is a center of excellence for the development and integration of end-to-end imagery intelligence systems, components and related products and services to serve the needs of both international and domestic customers.