Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC) Workforce Education Center / City of Hickory Aviation Museum

Through a strong public-private partnership, CVCC, the City of Hickory, and the Hickory Aviation Museum came together to plan a co-located facility that blends workforce training with a public-facing aviation experience. State funding supported the education center, while the museum contributed funding for its portion of the project, creating a shared investment in both workforce development and cultural impact.

The Workforce Education Center is anchored by a flexible, high-bay, pre-engineered building designed to adapt to changing training needs. Large coiling doors and a hangar door provide access for equipment, small aircraft, and hands-on learning, while infrastructure supports heavy loads and multiple trade programs. Teaching labs, faculty touchdown space, quiet study areas, and collaborative environments support both focused learning and interaction. The building can accommodate a range of workforce training environments, allowing programs to evolve alongside industry demand.

The Hickory Aviation Museum is organized around a large hangar designed to house a 22-aircraft collection, including suspended displays requiring careful structural coordination. A central volume creates an inviting entry with orientation space, exhibits, a gift shop, and event areas. This mezzanine level offers unique views into the hangar and supports community events and revenue-generating opportunities.

Transparency between the education and museum spaces allows visitors to see workforce training in action. From students working on aircraft to simulation labs and hands-on project areas, this “learning on display” approach links education, industry awareness, and community engagement in a single experience.

A Community Destination That Builds Awareness and Supports Talent Pipelines

By aligning multiple partners around a shared vision, the project creates a stronger pipeline into aviation careers while delivering a unique civic destination. Students gain access to real-world training environments, the museum expands its reach and visibility, and the City of Hickory benefits from an asset that supports economic development.

The collaboration between CVCC, the city, and state funding partners demonstrates how coordinated investment can address workforce challenges while creating long-term community value. Close coordination with the FAA also streamlined approvals, positioning the facility for future growth as the airport and region continue to evolve.