GTCC breaks ground on initial phase of new aviation campus

With the support of North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, aviation industry leaders, and other elected officials, GTCC officially broke ground on the first phase of its new aviation campus.

Today, with the support of North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, aviation industry leaders, and other elected officials, Guilford Technical Community College officially broke ground on the first phase of its new aviation campus.

Minutes away from Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA), the $34.6 million, 70,000-square-foot training center will be constructed on GTCC’s Cameron campus and will expand the college’s aviation training facilities. The new campus will house the college’s aviation programs such as technologies in composites, structures, and assembly, along with the aviation manufacturing and avionics programs.

“In response to the growing demand for aviation manufacturing in Guilford County, GTCC initiated plans in 2021 to expand its aviation programs with this state-of-the-art training facility. We are grateful for the state and county's commitment to funding phase one of the project,” said GTCC President Anthony Clarke, Ph.D.

“GTCC has a proud history of partnering with aviation companies in the Piedmont Triad to meet the industry’s evolving needs. Our programs emphasize practical, in-demand skills, including aircraft systems repair, composite material manufacturing, flight operations, and quality control. This approach not only equips graduates to excel in their careers but also strengthens the region’s reputation as a hub for aviation innovation and excellence,” Clarke added.

The addition of the first of two planned buildings will increase GTCC’s capacity by 40 percent, allowing the college to serve over 700 students annually. The building is expected to open in Spring 2027.

“North Carolina is synonymous with aviation and aerospace innovation. We were the first in flight, and now, we are the future of flight,” said Governor Josh Stein. “At this aviation center, students will gain the skills and real-world experience to succeed in the high-wage jobs the Triad is attracting. Together, we can make our state a magnet for even more aerospace jobs and continue to strengthen our advanced manufacturing sector.”

Phase two of the new aviation campus is estimated to cost up to $60 million and will add a second building and parking structure with an additional 70,000-square feet of training space, next to the initial building. This will double the colleage’s current training capacity, enabling GTCC to support over 1,000 students in aviation and aerospace manufacturing annually.

GTCC offers a range of credential options within its aviation programs which include associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates, many of which prepare students for certifications from the FAA and other regulatory bodies. Career opportunities span roles like avionics technicians, maintenance engineers, manufacturing specialists, and flight operations managers, with pathways for advancement in both technical and administrative aviation fields.

For more information on GTCC’s aviation programs, visit gtcc.edu/aviation.

About Guilford Technical Community College: Guilford Technical Community College is the third largest of 58 institutions in the North Carolina Community College System. GTCC serves over 30,000 students annually from six campuses and a Small Business Center. For more information, visit gtcc.edu, Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.