The GE Aerospace Foundation has donated $50,000 toward WCC’s Aviation Systems Technology program. (WCC photo)
GOLDSBORO — Wayne Community College’s Aviation Systems Technology program has received a $50,000 workforce development donation from the GE Aerospace Foundation.
The donation will support the costs of books, tests, and fees for 20 students in the program, and WCC Aviation Systems Technology Instructor Mike Crumpler said these costs have proven to be barriers to aspiring aircraft mechanics.
“This grant from the GE Aerospace Foundation will support our students by assisting them with these costs and removing financial barriers,” Crumpler said. “The end result will be augmented workforce growth in an area that is currently plagued with a widening gap between the number of trained, qualified mechanics needed and the number available to fill vacant positions.”
GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation are awarding $2.3 million to a range of organizations to help build a larger skilled manufacturing workforce and create job opportunities across the United States and globally. The donations will help partners establish new programs, expand existing ones, add flexibility, and reduce costs for individuals seeking manufacturing skills.
“We are so appreciative of the investment that the GE Aerospace Foundation is willing to make in Wayne Community College’s Aviation Systems Technology program. Their support will go a long way towards enhancing the program and giving our students the support they need to reach their academic goals and to get jobs within the field of aviation maintenance,” said WCC Dean of Applied Technologies Ernie White.
The U.S. aerospace manufacturing industry has nearly four times as many new workers (15 percent) since the pandemic compared to manufacturing overall (4 percent), according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Meanwhile, the industry faces twin challenges of strong demand and an aging workforce, with more than one-third of workers older than 55.
“Providing training opportunities and reducing barriers for workers to gain skills are key to the future of the aerospace industry,” said Christian Meisner, GE Aerospace chief human resource officer and GE Aerospace Foundation chair. “But we cannot do this urgent work alone. It will take partners like the ones GE Aerospace and the GE Foundation are awarding, and we look forward to expanding on this work to support workers and the broader industry at this critical time.”
