Campus News

Calhoun Community College is pleased to share GE Aerospace’s recent announcement regarding their generous $2.3 million investment to support workforce development across the United States. As part of this effort, Calhoun Community College’s Process Technology Program will receive $100,000 to fund lab equipment, simulator licenses, and training resources. These contributions will directly benefit Calhoun students, equipping them with the skills needed to excel in advanced manufacturing and chemical processing careers.

“We are deeply grateful to the GE Aerospace Foundation for this generous grant,” said Calhoun Community College President, Dr. Jimmy Hodges. “This investment will ensure that our students are learning with cutting-edge technology and resources, preparing them for the demands of an ever-evolving industry,” added Hodges.

“By supporting our students in this program, GE Aerospace is not only helping to shape the future workforce but also contributing to the growth and success of the broader community. This partnership demonstrates the power of collaboration between education and industry, and we are excited about the opportunities it will bring for our students,” said John Holley, Calhoun Dean of Technologies.

“The funds will directly support the purchase of essential lab equipment, and training materials, all of which are vital to delivering a high-caliber educational experience for our students. With these tools, our students will gain hands-on training in chemical process technology,” said Calhoun Process Technology Instructor, Dr. Kim Roberts.

Please see the below news release from GE Aerospace and Foundation.

GE Aerospace & Foundation Award $2.3M to Build Skilled Workforce as Survey Identifies Urgent Need Post-Pandemic

1,000 U.S. workers across all manufacturing industries say new hires need additional training, identify skills as key to worker success and retention. 

Evendale, Ohio – Oct. 21, 2024 – 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. These donations come as a new Morning Consult | GE Aerospace survey of 1,000 U.S. workers across all manufacturing industries finds that skills development is needed for newer workers and viewed as a key to worker success and retention.

The U.S. aerospace manufacturing industry has nearly four times as many new workers (15%) since the pandemic compared to manufacturing overall (4%), 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.

The survey highlights the importance of investing in continued training. One-third of manufacturing workers hired post-COVID say they lack confidence in their skills, though 80% of workers overall report they feel very confident in their abilities.

“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.”

The donations from GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation will help partners establish new programs, expand existing ones, add flexibility, and reduce costs for individuals seeking manufacturing skills. These initiatives will support an additional 1,250 manufacturing workers. Key donations include:

• $150,000 to Greater Lafayette Career Academy in Lafayette, Ind.: Will double the school’s Airframe and Powerplant program capacity to 30 students by hiring a full-time licensed instructor. Funds will purchase essential training equipment, ensuring students have access to industry-standard tools and machinery. The school will also provide tool kits for 25 students, supporting their progress towards dual credits, certification and further educational opportunities. This donation will support approximately 80 students in total.
• $100,000 to Calhoun Community College in Huntsville, Ala.: Will fund lab equipment, purchase additional licenses for simulator training and models, and training workbooks to support students in the Process Technology Program. The program prepares 100 students annually to monitor, operate and maintain equipment used in the processing of raw materials and chemical manufacturing.
• $100,000 to Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, N.C.: Will provide 10 full-ride scholarships to the Computer-Integrated Machining associates program, support a 40-hour, machining bootcamp career exploration course for high school students where they build an engine, and supplies for the Computer-Integrated Machining program plans to more than double to 75 students in the next few years. This donation will support up to 100 students.
• $1M to United Way of Greater Cincinnati’s Future of Manufacturing Fund awarded earlier this year for grants to local programs focused on addressing gaps in the advanced manufacturing workforce.
• $50,000 to Ayrshire College in Scotland, UK: Will support the offering of an evening class with additional tools and materials and will help establish a training hangar and teaching center at Prestwick airport for students to gain hands-on experience. This donation will support approximately 100 students.

See a list of all the donations at: geaerospace.com/workforce.

These donations aim to reduce barriers identified in the Morning Consult | GE Aerospace survey, where 32% of workers cited a lack of training opportunities, 27% mentioned personal time constraints, and another 27% pointed to financial constraints. Other key findings include:

• Skills are key to worker retention and success: Nearly all (95%) believe that effective skills increase the likelihood of staying with their current employer. One-third (33%) say skills training has been the biggest factor in their success.
• Demand for more training: Two-thirds (66%) of manufacturing workers have received skills training in the last five years, but 80% believe they need new skills to advance, and 62% expect their employer to provide this training.

Today’s announcement builds on GE Aerospace’s commitment to worker training. Over 850 employees will participate in GE Aerospace programs or sponsored efforts to gain necessary manufacturing skills this year, while its Rutland, Vt., program celebrates its 50th anniversary.

In addition to today’s awards, GE Aerospace is directly investing over $250 million to expand its Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) network and another $650 million into production facilities and the supply chain during 2024. These investments will increase capacity to service the current flying fleet, expand production, and strengthen quality in building new engines.