North Carolina, October 16, 2025
Guilford Technical Community College has broken ground on its new Aviation Campus, a facility aimed at training future pilots and aviation professionals. The advanced training center will address workforce needs in North Carolina’s growing aerospace sector, featuring state-of-the-art simulators and equipment. This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing education and employment opportunities in aviation, contributing to the state’s thriving aerospace industry.
Colfax, North Carolina – October 16, 2025
Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) has commenced construction on a new $34.6 million aviation training center at its Cameron Campus in Colfax, North Carolina. This state-of-the-art facility is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the state’s expanding aerospace sector.
Project Overview
The new center will encompass 70,000 square feet and is strategically located just minutes from Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTIA). It will house GTCC’s aviation programs, including technologies in composites, structures, and assembly, as well as aviation manufacturing and avionics programs. The facility is expected to increase GTCC’s training capacity by 40%, serving over 700 students annually. Construction is slated to be completed by Spring 2027.
Industry Support and Economic Impact
The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, aviation industry leaders, and other elected officials. Governor Stein emphasized the importance of the center in providing students with the skills and real-world experience needed for high-wage jobs in the region. The aviation industry significantly contributes to North Carolina’s economy, with aviation contributing $88 billion and supporting over 427,000 jobs in the state.
Background and Future Plans
GTCC’s decision to expand its aviation training facilities responds to the increasing demand for aviation manufacturing in Guilford County and the broader Triad region. The college plans to add a second building in the future, estimated to cost up to $60 million, which will double the current training capacity, enabling GTCC to support over 1,000 students in aviation and aerospace manufacturing annually.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the purpose of the new aviation training center at GTCC?
The new center is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in North Carolina’s expanding aerospace sector. It will house GTCC’s aviation programs, including technologies in composites, structures, and assembly, as well as aviation manufacturing and avionics programs.
When is the new aviation training center expected to open?
Construction is slated to be completed by Spring 2027.
How will the new center impact GTCC’s training capacity?
The facility is expected to increase GTCC’s training capacity by 40%, serving over 700 students annually.
What are the future plans for the aviation training center?
GTCC plans to add a second building in the future, estimated to cost up to $60 million, which will double the current training capacity, enabling GTCC to support over 1,000 students in aviation and aerospace manufacturing annually.
How significant is the aviation industry to North Carolina’s economy?
The aviation industry significantly contributes to North Carolina’s economy, with aviation contributing $88 billion and supporting over 427,000 jobs in the state.
Key Features of the New Aviation Training Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Colfax, North Carolina, near Piedmont Triad International Airport |
| Size | 70,000 square feet |
| Programs Offered | Composites, structures, assembly, aviation manufacturing, avionics |
| Training Capacity Increase | 40%, serving over 700 students annually |
| Completion Date | Spring 2027 |
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Author: Construction NC News
NORTH CAROLINA STAFF WRITER The NORTH CAROLINA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at constructionncnews.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in North Carolina and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the North Carolina Build Expo, major infrastructure projects, and advancements in construction technology showcases. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Associated Builders and Contractors of the Carolinas and the North Carolina Home Builders Association, plus leading businesses in construction and legal services that power the local economy such as CMiC Global and Womble Bond Dickinson LLP. As part of the broader network, including constructioncanews.com, constructionnynews.com, and constructiontxnews.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic construction landscape across multiple states.
