#United States #North Carolina #Greensboro #JetZero #NCEdge

JetZero Partners with North Carolina Community Colleges for Workforce Training

In a significant move for the aviation industry, JetZero has announced a monumental $4.7 billion investment for a cutting-edge manufacturing facility located at the Piedmont Triad International Airport (PTI) in Greensboro, North Carolina. This project marks the largest jobs announcement in the state’s history, projected to generate more than 14,500 jobs over a ten-year period.

The planned facility, designed to produce JetZero’s innovative blended-wing-bodied airplanes known as the Z4, will also serve as the company’s headquarters. Groundbreaking for this transformative project is expected to take place in early 2026. In conjunction with this announcement, the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS) is stepping up to facilitate a robust workforce training program valued at over $30 million, tailored to fit the workforce needs specific to JetZero.

North Carolina is particularly suited to accommodate JetZero's hiring initiative, thanks to its rich talent pool of approximately 5.5 million workers, with more than 49,000 engineers available. The state also boasts the largest manufacturing workforce in the Southeast, while producing over 30,000 STEM degrees annually. The NCEdge program, launched by the NCCCS, focuses on customizing workforce training solutions that specifically address the needs of companies expanding or relocating in the state.

Tom O'Leary, CEO and co-founder of JetZero, praised North Carolina's unique advantages: "The state provides an ideal combination of talent, infrastructure, and proactive leadership necessary for our mission to revolutionize aviation. We greatly appreciate the efforts of Governor Josh Stein and his administration, along with local leaders, in welcoming JetZero to North Carolina, the birthplace of aviation."

The new facility will not only provide thousands of manufacturing and engineering jobs but also create indirect job opportunities through its suppliers and service providers. Employees at this site will earn an average salary of over $89,000 per year, significantly higher than the state average.

John Loyack, vice president of economic development for the NCCCS, emphasized the critical role of North Carolina’s extensive community college network in supporting JetZero’s workforce development. "We have carefully discussed JetZero's unique workforce requirements and created a detailed customized training plan through our NCEdge program. Together with Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) and partner colleges in the region, we are eager to implement this customized program and secure JetZero’s workforce onboarding success in North Carolina,” he stated.

GTCC has established itself as a significant player in aviation education, providing hands-on training supported by advanced simulators, active aircraft, and specialized labs. As one of the key project partners, GTCC stands ready to help prepare a highly skilled workforce for regional and national employers. Dr. Anthony J. Clarke, president of GTCC, remarked, "This initiative underscores the immense potential of partnerships in education and training, directly impacting the future of our state's economy."

Betty Silver, associate vice president of NCEdge Customized Training, added, "This project perfectly illustrates the purpose of NCEdge—to meet employers where they are and create tailored training programs that yield tangible results. We are honored to lead the workforce development aspect of this extraordinary initiative, paving the way for thousands of North Carolinians to enter rewarding careers and bolstering our aviation industry's talent pool."

The NCEdge team conducts continuous workforce assessments to identify skills gaps and creates multi-year training blueprints in partnership with employers across the state. This comprehensive process addresses critical areas such as pre-employment screening, technical upskilling, leadership training, and ongoing improvements. By aligning training with the actual needs of businesses, the initiative allows companies to concentrate on operations while the colleges manage program logistics.

JetZero is transforming the air travel landscape with its groundbreaking Z4 airframe, designed to improve fuel efficiency and significantly reduce emissions. Scheduled for production in Greensboro, the Z4 aims to redefine aviation standards while providing a cleaner and quieter travel experience, with its entry into service anticipated by the early 2030s.

The North Carolina Community College System aims to enhance the quality of life throughout the state by minimizing barriers to education, maximizing student success, and cultivating a globally competent workforce. With its extensive experience in workforce training and development, NCCCS is prepared to support projects that can amplify the economic prospects of North Carolina.

Visit JetZero for more information on their projects and vision, or explore the North Carolina Community College System for insight into statewide educational initiatives.