Press Releases
U.S. Department of Labor Visits Monterey Bay Region to Explore Emerging Aerospace Workforce Development Model
DART Hosts Regional Tour Showcasing Apprenticeships, Advanced Manufacturing Training, and Community College Career Pathways
Monterey Bay Drone, Aviation, and Robotics Technology (DART) will host Joshua Wetzel, West Coast Regional Representative for the U.S. Department of Labor, on June 11 for a tour of workforce development programs supporting the region's growing aerospace and advanced air mobility industry.
The tour will showcase a growing network of DART's partnership initiatives across the Monterey Bay region, featuring industry-led apprenticeship programs, advanced manufacturing training, and community college career pathways that connect students and workers directly to high-demand careers in aerospace and aviation.
"In the Monterey Bay region, we are demonstrating how sectors can work together to create meaningful career pathways in emerging industries," said Josh Metz, Executive Director of DART. "We are honored to welcome the U.S. Department of Labor and share how these partnerships are helping build a skilled workforce for the future of aviation."
Representative Wetzel will make three stops to observe DART partner programs on June 11. Stops and activities include:
Stop 1: Watsonville Municipal Airport, Watsonville
- Active AMT apprentices at work in Joby's Watsonville hangar
- Direct conversation with apprentices on pathway, compensation, and progression
- Hangar floor walkthrough – maintenance operations in context
Stop 2: Joby Aviation Facility, Marina
- Manufacturing floor tour of Joby's expanding Marina facility
- Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship (AMAP) apprentice roles and skills progression in context
- Briefing from Cody Cleverly on workforce development strategy
Stop 3: Hartnell College's Alisal Campus, Salinas
- Mechatronics Lab – directly relevant to eVTOL and drone systems
- CTE shops: welding, fabrication, and mechatronics
- Technical Training Building – full scope of workforce training capacity
- Maturing sUAS Pathways (MsUAS) program overview with Jackie Cruz and Ana Ibarra
The visit highlights how DART's regional partnerships are creating scalable workforce solutions for the emerging low-altitude economy.
About Monterey Bay DART
Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) is a California-based nonprofit public-benefit corporation advancing workforce, infrastructure, and ecosystem development for Advanced Air Mobility, uncrewed systems, and related emerging technologies. For more information: www.mbdart.org.