GE Aerospace celebrates first year of its Wilmington apprenticeship program

WILMINGTON, N.C. — GE Aerospace marked the first year of its newest apprenticeship program in Wilmington, where more than 80 apprentices have graduated since the initiative launched in August 2025.

Over about eight weeks, participants train for careers as Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machinists. Instruction starts at GE Aerospace’s Wilmington site, includes five intensive weeks at Cape Fear Community College (CFCC), and concludes with several weeks of on-the-job training with mentors back at GE Aerospace. Those with previous machining experience train full time at the Wilmington site. Apprentices are paid as full-time GE Aerospace employees throughout, with the cost of instruction covered by North Carolina’s NCEdge program. CNC machinists set up and operate large equipment that creates precise parts critical to jet engines.

“I joined the apprenticeship program to pursue a new career path and create a better future for myself and my family. It’s a great way to step into this field where you can thrive and make a career out of it,” said recent graduate Joseph Knox.

“This apprenticeship opens the door to a career at GE Aerospace for people from many backgrounds, including those new to the industry,” said Mark Moon, the site leader for GE Aerospace in Wilmington. “It helps us grow the skilled workforce we need in Wilmington to deliver the critical engine parts our customers depend on.”

As part of its partnership with CFCC, GE Aerospace purchased new CNC machines for the college’s shop to support hands-on instruction.

“Our partnership with GE Aerospace demonstrates the vital role community colleges play in developing the skilled workforce that drives economic growth,” said Jim Morton, President of CFCC. “As GE Aerospace continues to expand its operations and invest in the Wilmington region, CFCC is proud to provide the training and talent pipeline needed to support that growth. Through this customized machining training program, we are helping individuals launch rewarding careers while ensuring one of our region’s leading employers has access to a highly skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of advanced manufacturing.”

The apprenticeship builds on broader workforce initiatives in North Carolina. Last year, the GE Aerospace Foundation donated $500,000 to the Manufacturing Institute’s Heroes MAKE America initiative to help former service members earn their FAA mechanic license near Fort Bragg. In 2024, the Foundation awarded CFCC a $100,000 grant for scholarships and machining bootcamps to strengthen the local manufacturing talent pipeline.

Earlier this year, GE Aerospace announced plans to invest $60 million in its Wilmington site as part of more than $160 million in investments across North Carolina and $1 billion in U.S. manufacturing during 2026. The Wilmington facility supports the company’s commercial and military engine programs and manufactures precision parts used in the core of jet engines — including blisks, spools, and high-pressure turbine disks — components designed to operate under extreme conditions and pressure.