For students preparing to enter the workforce, gaining meaningful experience is often time-consuming and costly. Hands-on learning helps bridge this gap and accelerate career readiness. Recognizing the benefits for both students and local employers, Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) sought to renovate its technical learning facility to create the First in Flight Chapter of the North Carolina Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME).
Client
Guilford Technical Community College
Location
Jamestown, North Carolina
Key Contact
Mike Mistriner
Photographer
SnapWerx (Jim Graziano)
Completed
2025
Services
Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Architecture, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Plumbing Engineering, Construction Administration
As manufacturers face an ongoing shortage of skilled technicians, the renovation focused on quickly expanding hands-on training capacity to meet real-time industry demand. By overhauling the existing facility rather than constructing a new building, our Higher Education Practice team helped GTCC respond efficiently to workforce needs, minimize costs and accelerate program delivery. This ensures that graduates are job-ready and companies have access to skilled, trained talent.
The space was designed to function as a true manufacturing environment, providing students with high-value tools and resources. The lab houses advanced systems—including hydraulic, electrical and automation equipment—that simulate plant operations and troubleshooting scenarios. Equipment costs exceeded the renovation budget itself, totaling approximately $4 million compared to $2.5 million for construction, requiring careful coordination of infrastructure and layout.
The team addressed acoustic challenges within the 18,000 sq. ft. space, carefully designing surfaces and materials to control reverberation while also ensuring efficient, adaptable lighting. The lab was envisioned to maximize natural light, showcase activity through glass walls to spark excitement and curiosity among passersby, and support flexible layouts that accommodate evolving equipment needs.
The team also reused existing infrastructure for LED fixtures and incorporated modern HVAC systems that provide heating and cooling as needed, contributing to a comfortable, functional learning environment.
Developed in partnership with FAME USA and local industry leaders, including partners affiliated with Toyota’s new battery manufacturing plant in NC, the program serves as a vital component of a broader workforce development strategy. Aligning education with demonstrated industry needs, the new FAME facility supports GTCC’s mission to offer students direct pathways into high-demand careers while helping employers build a reliable, long-term pipeline of skilled technical talent—essential to North Carolina’s growing manufacturing sector.
