NC GTP - Spirit AeroSystems Composite Center of Excellence

Spirit AeroSystems Composite Center of Excellence is a 33,000 square-foot training center designed to serve the growing aerospace industry in Eastern North Carolina. The centerpiece of the facility is a 2,950 square-foot composites training lab, operated by Lenoir Community College to support pathways for careers such as aerospace assembly technicians, composite mechanics, logistics and material handling, manufacturing process support, quality assurance, automated machine operators and programmers, and other support positions.

Composite Training Lab Capabilities:

• Provide customized training to aerospace, marine and wind energy organizations
• Fabricate composite parts (for training purposes only)
• Composite lay-up; pre-preg and wet lay-up
• Trimming and drilling composite parts
• Assembly including sealant and aviation fastener installation
• Metal forming
• Metal bonding
• Blueprint reading
• Autoclave Operator Training using a state-of-the-art 3’x5’ autoclave
• Manufacturer’s certification/qualification training
• Aircraft fastener identification, installation, and removal techniques
• OSHA safety training and certifications
• Shop math and metrics
• Composite repair – basic and advanced
• Initial aviation sheet metal training if required.

Lenoir Community College Manufacturing Academy

Education & Training

North Carolina has long been known as a leader in workforce development, thanks in large part, to its extensive network of higher education resources. Academic and training programs available in the vicinity of the Global TransPark provide an ample supply of educated and trained workers. Additionally, over 12,000 service members leave active duty each year in Eastern North Carolina, many with skills and training in aerospace and aviation-related fields.

University Programs

• East Carolina University offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering, engineering science, as well as the bachelors of technology and doctor of philosophy degrees.
• NC State offers bachelor, master, and doctoral degrees in all areas of engineering, including aerospace engineering and materials science engineering. Articulation agreements in place with the Community College System, creating the 2+2 Engineering Program.
• UNC Chapel Hill is home to the Center for Logistics and Global Strategy at its Kenan Institute for Private Enterprise.
• Elizabeth City State University offers undergraduate degrees in aviation science; training students for advanced careers in aviation and aerospace.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University offers undergraduate and graduate courses in several aeronautical fields at its Goldsboro campus.

Community College Programs

North Carolina’s Community College System is the nation’s third largest and is dedicated to the development of programs which enhance skills required to work in North Carolina’s top industries.

Features include:

• Customized industry training
• Career Readiness Certification training
• 2+2 Engineering Program

Lenoir Community College

• Home of the Advanced Machining Center
• Associate degrees in: Aviation Management, Global Logistics Technology
• Continuing education in Aerospace Manufacturing Readiness

Craven Community College

• Associate degrees in: Aviation Systems Technology, Machining Technology, Manufacturing Technology.

Wayne Community College

• Continuing education in Airport Operations, Aviation Ground School, Aviation Maintenance.

University Programs

East Carolina University

• Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Logistics

North Carolina State University

• Multiple engineering disciplines; research core competencies include combustion, structural mechanics and materials, and computational methods