Honing the next generation of aerospace leaders at GTCC’s Aviation Program
The future of North Carolina aerospace truly can be found at Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) every day. One of PTI’s longest standing tenants is Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) and its multiple facilities housing one of the most comprehensive aviation programs in the region, if not the nation.
Designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the aviation industry, graduates are highly sought after by the likes of Boeing, HondaJet, HAECO, Marshall, and other leading aerospace innovators and manufacturers, as well as maintenance, repair and overhaul companies (MROs).
Central to this program are the T.H. Davis Aviation Center and Caesar Cone II Aviation Building, two of the three state-of-the-art GTCC aviation facilities located at PTI.
“When companies from around the country or the world are looking to build at PTI, the number one thing they look at is talent pipeline – can they get the people to fill the roles?” said Nicolas Yale, Director, Aviation Programs, GTCC. “How do they set up that talent pipeline? It’s what we do. It’s why they’re coming here.”
The Davis Aviation Center, which first opened in 1989, is a hub of learning, giving students hands-on experience in various aspects of aviation technology, maintenance, and management. The proximity to the airport offers a unique advantage, allowing students to engage directly with the aviation environment and gain real-world experience.
GTCC’s comprehensive aviation curriculum is designed to deliver job-ready graduates who can meet the demands of a rapidly evolving industry. The Caesar Cone II Aviation Building opened in 2014, and among its many innovative programs, houses four full-motion flight simulators used by local industry for training and testing.
“Our program is a tremendous benefit to the region with dozens of employers who need aviation electronics, management and systems technology help, right here,” said Yale. “We can help local businesses thrive, and students don’t have to look for jobs. Employers come here and recruit them.”
The program, which has a wait list every semester, maintains approximately 600 students across five programs and offers pathways to advanced degrees through a partnership with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. High school students can also begin their aviation careers early through GTCC’s offerings and North Carolina’s Career and College Promise programs (CCP).
The T.H. Davis and Caesar Cone II facilities stand as testaments to GTCC’s commitment to providing high-quality education and training in aviation. With its strategic location at PTI, they serve as a training ground for future aviation professionals and as a bridge between the academic and professional worlds of aviation.
