Extends program into 2027 with new learning opportunities to develop a robust manufacturing pipeline across Massachusetts North Shore region
February 28, 2025, Lynn, Massachusetts – The GE Aerospace Foundation today announced a $1 million commitment that will extend the Advanced Manufacturing Training Expansion Program (AMTEP) into 2027 with expanded learning opportunities to support area workforce training.
Founded by a GE Foundation grant in 2020, AMTEP is a unique public-private partnership that helps build and maintain a high-quality, ready-to-work manufacturing pipeline across the North Shore region of Massachusetts. The training program has enrolled 600 local adults to date, offering long-term career opportunities with an 83 percent job placement rate across more than 140 area companies.
“Today’s donation is a reflection on the enormous impact AMTEP has already had in the Boston area, supporting more than 600 students and helping connect them with good-paying careers in advanced manufacturing,” said Meghan Thurlow, GE Aerospace Global Head of Public Affairs and President, GE Aerospace Foundation. “The GE Aerospace Foundation is excited to expand this important work, reaching more students as part of our broader, ongoing effort to strengthen U.S. manufacturing today and into the future.”
“I’m proud that Massachusetts’ 6th District is home to many of our nation’s leading innovators in manufacturing and defense. GE Aerospace is one of those leaders -- their work ensures that the American manufacturing pipeline is strong and sustainable,” said U.S. Representative Seth Moulton. “The AMTEP program is helping to cultivate the next generation of innovators. I’m looking forward to seeing everything they will continue to accomplish.”
This commitment will expand training opportunities in electromechanical assembly and extend the existing programing that provides no-cost training, networking, and job placement opportunities. Trainees receive 400 hours of no-cost technical training from experienced, local instructors that guide them towards promising manufacturing careers.
Today’s announcement follows the recent graduations of nearly 40 students across AMTEP locations in Essex and Lynn, which mark the beginning of students’ careers in a manufacturing field of their choice.
“This work is truly life-changing—impacting and transforming lives in powerful ways,” said Stratton Lloyd, CEO, Essex County Community Foundation and AMTEP Steering Committee Member. “It’s an extraordinary, one-of-a-kind collaborative, systems-based workforce development initiative that is equipping our community with living-wage careers and shaping a brighter future for all.”
“The North Shore of Massachusetts is a manufacturing hub with hundreds of students eager to develop their capabilities and grow in their careers. An investment in their development is an investment in our community,” said Ed O’Sullivan, Executive Director, MassHire North Shore Workforce Board and AMTEP Steering Committee Member. “We’re thrilled that the GE Aerospace Foundation has continued to support our programs and community by ensuring students are equipped with the tools and training needed to excel in their personal careers.”
This announcement builds on $2.3 million in commitments by GE Aerospace and the GE Aerospace Foundation in 2024 to support advanced manufacturing skills training and development that allows individuals to pursue manufacturing careers. More than 4,300 students and anticipated manufacturing workers will benefit from the commitments made in 2024 across 19 unique programs in the U.S. and abroad.
About the GE Aerospace Foundation
The GE Aerospace Foundation, an independent charitable organization funded by GE Aerospace, complements the company’s purpose to “lift people up” in communities where employees live and work around the world. The Foundation’s philanthropic strategy and programs focus on engineering education, workforce development, and disaster relief. We also support GE Aerospace employees through programs such as Matching Gifts and STAR Awards. When GE Aerospace launched as an independent company in 2024, the GE Foundation was relaunched as the GE Aerospace Foundation, commencing a new chapter that builds on the successful, 100+ year legacy of the previous GE Foundation. Learn more at www.geaerospace.com/company/philanthropy.
About GE Aerospace
GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 45,000 commercial and 25,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 53,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com.