To meet the growing demand for aviation manufacturing in Guilford County and across the Triad, GTCC is building a new aviation training facility on its Cameron Campus in Colfax, N.C. just minutes from Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA). This center will expand GTCC’s ability to train the next generation of aviation professionals in advanced technologies.

Meeting Regional Demand

The aviation industry in the Triad region is expanding rapidly, with major employers such as Boom, JetZero, Honda Aircraft Company, HAECO, and FedEx Express creating strong demand for a skilled workforce. The new Aviation Center will give students the space, technology, and resources they need to prepare for these high-demand jobs.

Value to the Community and Region

  • Guilford County & City Impact: Provides a pipeline of skilled aviation workers to support local economic growth.
  • Triad Region Impact: Strengthens the Triad’s position as one of the fastest-growing aviation hubs in the Southeast.
  • Student Impact: Expands access to training in composites, structures, assembly, avionics, and aerospace manufacturing.

 

GTCC Aviation Center Render Render of the GTCC Aviation Center Building One
GTCC Aviation Center Building One Render Render of the GTCC Aviation Center Building One

Project Phases

Phase I

Building One
  • $34.6 million investment funded by Guilford County and the State. 
  • 70,000 square feet of new training space. 
  • Relocates and expands training in composites, structures, assembly, and avionics. 
  • Increases GTCC’s training capacity by 40%, serving 700+ students annually. 
  • Construction kicks off Fall 2025. 
  • Scheduled opening: Spring 2027.

Phase II

Buildiing Two
  • Planned $60 million expansion (not yet funded). 
  • Adds another 70,000 square feet of training space. 
  • Expands training capacity by 66%, serving 1,000+ students annually.

GTCC Aviation Center Construction Updates

GTCC leaders and partners participate in the Aviation Center groundbreaking ceremony, standing with shovels in front of construction equipment and a banner displaying the future facility rendering.

Ariel view of GTCC Aviation Center construction

The GTCC Aviation Center is under construction as part of college effort to expand aviation training and strengthen the workforce pipeline in Guilford County and the Triad. Below are recent project milestones that show progress on this transformational facility, which will give students access to advanced training space and prepare them for careers in high-demand aviation fields.

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Completed Milestones

GTCC Aviation Center before photoJune 2025: Building Permit Issued

The building permit for the GTCC Aviation Center was approved, allowing construction to officially move forward.

GTCC Aviation Center constructionOctober 2025: Groundbreaking Ceremony

GTCC celebrated the start of construction with a groundbreaking event marking the launch of the Aviation Center project. Read more about the groundbreaking.

GTCC Aviation Center constructionDecember 2025: Foundations Completed

Foundation work for the facility was completed, setting the stage for vertical construction.

January 2026: Beam Signing & Topping Out

A commemorative steel beam from the project is on display in the Aviation I campus lobby for aviation students, faculty, staff, donors, and community partners to sign before it becomes part of the structure.