Support America’s Aviation and Maritime Defense
The Fleet Workforce Education Center prepares students to join the next generation of manufacturing and trades professionals for careers that directly support military aviation and maritime operations. Through advanced training, industry partnerships, and hands-on experience, the Center will create clear pathways into well-paying, mission-critical careers across Eastern North Carolina and beyond.
Build a Career with Purpose
Students at the Fleet Workforce Education Center will gain specialized, in-demand skills aligned with Department of Defense standards and real-world industry needs.
Whether you’re a transitioning service member, veteran, or civilian looking for a stable and rewarding career, our programs are built to help you enter or advance within the defense manufacturing workforce quickly and confidently.
Our focus areas include:
- Aviation manufacturing and maintenance
- Maritime and industrial fabrication
- Precision manufacturing and quality systems
- Logistics, supply chain, and continuous improvement
Graduates will be prepared for careers that support military aircraft, vessels, and infrastructure—work that strengthens both our regional economy and national security.
Programs Designed for Today’s Defense Workforce
Craven Community College already offers a strong foundation of programs that serve aviation and maritime industries. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training to ensure students graduate workforce-ready.
Expanding to Meet Tomorrow’s Needs
To keep pace with evolving defense and industry demands, the Fleet Workforce Education Center will introduce new, cutting-edge training programs developed in close collaboration with military installations and defense contractors.
Planned programs include:
- Avionics
- Composites & Advanced Materials
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
- Quality Control & Inspection
- Additive Manufacturing (3D Printing)
- CNC Machining & Precision Manufacturing
- Electrical & Electronic Maintenance & Repair (Industrial)
- Airframe & Powerplant Apprenticeship
- Aviation Technician Pre-Apprenticeship
These pathways are designed to shorten time-to-employment while ensuring graduates meet rigorous defense-sector standards.
New Facility Opening in 2026
In 2026, Craven Community College will open an industrial training facility dedicated to the Fleet Workforce Education Center. This flexible space will serve as the hub for advanced defense manufacturing education. The new building will support:
- Hands-on instruction using production-grade equipment
- Specialized labs, heavy equipment, and advanced training simulators
- Collaborative research and development with industry partners
- Rapid-response training to meet emerging defense workforce needs
This facility will be the cornerstone of the Center’s mission—ensuring students train in environments that mirror real-world defense manufacturing operations.
Partner with Craven Community College
The Fleet Workforce Education Center is built on collaboration. We actively partner with military installations, defense contractors, and regional employers to align training with real hiring needs.
Industry partners benefit from:
- A reliable pipeline of skilled, job-ready talent
- Customized and rapid-response training solutions
- Opportunities for apprenticeships, internships, and work-based learning
- Collaboration on curriculum, equipment, and workforce innovation
Whether you are an established defense contractor or an emerging industry partner, Craven Community College is committed to supporting your workforce needs.
Contact Us
Havelock Campus
305 Cunningham Blvd
Havelock, NC 28532
252-444-6005