$500,000 from General Electric committed to helping NC veterans become aviation technicians

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — In move that aims to increase fix a shortage in the aviation technicians world, the General Electric Aerospace has committed hundreds of thousands of dollars in order to strengthen North Carolina’s veteran workforce.

According to GE, the aerospace foundation has committed $500,000 to the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative.

The program is a training program done in partnership with local community colleges, according to the Manufacturing Institutes website, and focuses on preparing veterans, reservists, National Guard members, service members and event military spouses for careers in manufacturing.

This investment from GE comes at the same time the company is planning to launch a $30 million workforce skills program, focused on aerospace workforce training, according to the company.

All of these programs are in an effort to counter a aviation maintenance technician job shortage, which is estimated to be at least 5,000 jobs short of projected demand in the aviation industry, according to GE.

In the report referenced by GE in the company’s news release, Aviation Technician Education Council President and WSUTech Vice President Aviation & Workforce Development Jim Hall, said the council is seeing some positive trends, but still faces challenges when it comes to job education.

“We’re seeing some measurably positive trends at the grassroots level, building interest in pursuing aviation maintenance and the training needed to earn an FAA certificate,” Hall said in a statement. “Near-term challenges will include bolstering these trends while ensuring that we have enough specialized personnel, notably instructors and examiners, to support it.”

GE said the half-million dollar commitment will help fund the creation of a new aircraft and powerplant maintenance technician certificate near Fort Bragg.

“Funding will support approximately 90 people each year across the Manufacturing Institute’s aircraft and powerplant maintenance technician program starting in 2026, including nearly 40 through the newly-created program in North Carolina,” the news release reads. “The program will support service members, veterans, National Guard members, and reserve members starting careers in advanced manufacturing.”

Gov. Josh Stein fully endorsed the monetary commitment, calling it a way to make sure the Tar Heel State is part of the future of flight.

North Carolina’s skilled workers help make North Carolina the future of flight. This partnership will give veterans the opportunity to learn the aviation maintenance skills they need for good-paying jobs,” Stein said. “We’re grateful for GE Aerospace’s continued commitment to North Carolina.”

This investment also follows GE’s funding of 20 students attending Wayne Community College in 2024. The company said it covered the cost of books, tests, and fees for 20 students in the college’s Aviation Systems Technology Program.