How we are developing skilled workers

Urgent

Work Ahead

Building a skilled workforce in aerospace manufacturing is an urgent and ongoing challenge. BLS data show as much as 15 percent of workers are new to aerospace manufacturing since the pandemic, four times as many compared to general manufacturing.

These new industry hires need more training to have greater confidence and succeed in their careers, according to a Morning Consult | GE Aerospace survey.

This comes at a time of high-demand as waves of retirements loom with around one-third of workers now 55 or older.

Stepping Up

to Develop Skilled Workers

The GE Aerospace Foundation and GE Aerospace are strengthening their workforce development efforts to ensure current and future workers have the skills they need to succeed. In 2024, they donated more than $2.3M to organizations in the US and around the globe that equip individuals with the skills and knowledge needed for high-skilled manufacturing jobs. More than 1,250 additional people will benefit as a result, as programs expand classes, add more flexibility and reduce barriers. Take a look:

Durham, NC

$50,000 to cover costs of books, tests and fees for 20 students in the Aviation Systems Technology program.

Rutland, VT

$200,000 to purchase a Pick & Place robot and Coordinate Measuring Machine, benefiting around 100 students annually.

Huntsville, AL

$100,000 for lab equipment, additional licenses for simulator training, and workbooks for Process Technology Program.

Madisonville, KY

$60,000 to expand the new Machine Tool program with equipment and curriculum, increasing from 10 to 20 students.

Terre Haute, IN

$100,000 for training in advanced manufacturing jobs, full scholarships for 6 students, laptops, and enrollment growth.

Lafayette, IN

$150,000 to double Airframe & Powerplant program, hire full-time instructor, and buy equipment supporting 80 students.

McAllen, TX

$165,000 to cover the costs of books, tuition, fees, and transportation, supporting a total of 25 students.

Batesville, MS

$100,000 to provide equipment for Welding & Cutting program, three Servo Motion Training Systems, growing to 75 students.

Wilmington, NC

$100,000 for 10 full scholarships, support high school machining bootcamp, supply the Computer-Integrated Machining program.

Cincinnati, OH

$1M for five organizations to address gaps in advanced manufacturing and for innovative ideas to scale initiatives.

Calendonian, UK

$50,000 to support evening classes, tools and materials, and a training hangar at Prestwick airport, supporting 100 students.

Petropolis, BR

$150,000 to purchase equipment and software to expand aircraft maintenance courses, supporting an additional 75 youth.

Rivalta, IT

$50,000 for the mechatronics/aerospace program with additional tools, materials, and hands-on experience for around 30 students.

In 2024, over 850 individuals will take part in a GE Aerospace effort.

GE Aerospace has a long history of training current and future employees. Training for all new employees starts with FLIGHT DECK. Our apprenticeship programs in Rutland, Vt., and Lafayette, Ind., are just some of the company's specialized training to help individuals gain skills.

Learn about Rutland

Learn about Lafayette

There is still work to do

A Morning Consult | GE Aerospace survey of 1,000 US workers in all manufacturing industries found that skills are key to worker success and retention, but barriers remain. Here are four key findings:

Read the full survey

33

Lack confidence in their skills

33 percent of new workers with less than four years of experience say they are not confident in their skills, though 80 percent of workers overall were “very confident”.

How we are developing skilled workers

Urgent

Stepping Up

to Develop Skilled Workers

Durham, NC

Rutland, VT

Huntsville, AL

Madisonville, KY

Terre Haute, IN

Lafayette, IN

McAllen, TX

Batesville, MS

Wilmington, NC

Cincinnati, OH

Calendonian, UK

Petropolis, BR

Rivalta, IT

There is still work to do

33

Lack confidence in their skills

33 percent of new workers with less than four years of experience say they are not confident in their skills, though 80 percent of workers overall were “very confident”.

32

Too few opportunity

32 percent of workers named not having training opportunities for additional skills as the biggest barrier

27

Too expensive, not enough time

27 percent of workers said financial and personal time constraints remain a barrier to gaining skills

95

More skills to increase retention

95 percent of workers said having effective skills training makes them more likely to stay with their current employer.

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How we are developing skilled workers

Urgent

Stepping Up

to Develop Skilled Workers

Durham, NC

Rutland, VT

Huntsville, AL

Madisonville, KY

Terre Haute, IN

Lafayette, IN

McAllen, TX

Batesville, MS

Wilmington, NC

Cincinnati, OH

Calendonian, UK

Petropolis, BR

Rivalta, IT

There is still work to do

33

Lack confidence in their skills

33 percent of new workers with less than four years of experience say they are not confident in their skills, though 80 percent of workers overall were “very confident”.

32

Too few opportunity

32 percent of workers named not having training opportunities for additional skills as the biggest barrier

27

Too expensive, not enough time

27 percent of workers said financial and personal time constraints remain a barrier to gaining skills

95

More skills to increase retention

95 percent of workers said having effective skills training makes them more likely to stay with their current employer.