#United States #AAM #Joby Aviation #DART #Marina

DART Awarded Catalyst Grant to Transform Aviation Workforce

DART (Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology) has received exciting news: funding from the CA Jobs First - Uplift Central Coast Catalyst Program. This financial boost aims to enhance workforce development and infrastructure in the burgeoning Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) sector within the region.

The grant will facilitate DART's initiative titled, "Advancing Central Coast AAM Ecosystem Jobs and Infrastructure." By doing so, the organization plans to create new career pathways in vital fields like aviation maintenance and to reinforce the region's airspace architecture. A key event that will showcase these efforts is the LIFT Summit, which is set to take place from March 26-28, 2025, at the Monterey Conference Center.

Josh Metz, Executive Director of DART, expressed enthusiasm over this funding, stating, "This award is a major milestone in our commitment to building an inclusive and future-ready aviation workforce while ensuring the Central Coast is prepared for the next generation of air mobility." The collaboration between DART, Joby Aviation, regional education entities, and other industry stakeholders is designed to forge opportunities and elevate the region's standing in the AAM landscape.

Highlighting the educational aspect, Dr. Heather Contreras, Superintendent of Schools for the Pajaro Valley Unified School District, noted, “Our collaboration with DART and Joby Aviation is the culmination of multiple years of strategic alignment of programs in PVUSD to the emerging regional Advanced Air Mobility sector.” The students in her district's Land, Sea, Air, and Space Career and Technical Education pathway will notably benefit, having the chance to enter this apprenticeship program and other opportunities stemming from this collaborative initiative.

Key Initiatives Envisioned by DART

The Catalyst Grant paves the way for several significant projects:

1. Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship (AMTA) Pilot

DART will partner with Joby Aviation to establish an apprenticeship program that aligns with FAA standards, focusing on the maintenance of electric aircraft. This initiative aims to create a continuous pipeline of skilled technicians drawn from local educational institutions such as Gavilan College, Hartnell College, Cuesta College, and Pajaro Valley Unified School District.

2. AAM Infrastructure Planning

In conjunction with the ongoing work towards critical infrastructure, DART will spearhead a regional feasibility study to establish a vertiport network, drawing insights from previous assessments like the 2024 SOAR AAM Readiness Assessment. This aligns with partners like Skyway and local airports, addressing the essential infrastructure needs of the region.

3. LIFT Summit 2025

DART is organizing the LIFT Summit, which will assemble industry pioneers, policymakers, and workforce stakeholders to converge at the Monterey Conference Center. This platform will showcase innovative aerospace breakthroughs, workforce training initiatives, and infrastructural investments that aim to elevate the Central Coast's global position in the AAM sector.

Promoting Regional Prosperity

DART's drive resonates with the CA Jobs First mission, focused on fostering inclusive economic development. Through equitable access to quality jobs and sustainable infrastructure investments, the Catalyst Predevelopment Funding empowers DART and its partners to attract future public and private investments in both workforce training and AAM-related infrastructure.

Metz concluded with optimism: “We are honored to receive this Catalyst funding and look forward to collaborating with Uplift Central Coast, our industry partners, and regional stakeholders to shape the future of aviation in California.”

For further details regarding DART's programs, workforce initiatives, and the upcoming LIFT Summit, be sure to visit mbdart.org.