Regional Leaders Convene Tech Hub Consortium

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Feb. 26, 2024 — Marina, CA) – Leading Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) companies, Joby Aviation and Archer Aviation, recently met with Monterey Bay region higher educational, military, and municipal leadership to launch a coordinated effort to support workforce training and regional infrastructure needs of the electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) and hydrogen-fueled aircraft industry. The meeting, convened at UC Santa Cruz’s MBEST Center, was led by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative, and UC Santa Cruz, all of whom are jointly supporting this unified regional consortium of AAM companies, regional government, municipal airports, public education, and community organizations. Established in the fall of 2023, this consortium recognizes the tri-county region of San Benito, Santa Cruz and Monterey counties as an emerging tech hub for advanced air mobility.

MBEP’s board president, UC Santa Cruz Chancellor Cindy Larive, expressed her enthusiasm for this initial convening. “Recognition of the emergence of an advanced air mobility Tech Hub in the tri-county region should serve to galvanize our efforts to improve workforce education,” said Larive.

“Innovations in advanced air mobility and adjacent industries promise to strengthen our regional economy, and we’re ensuring that the infrastructure is in place to support that growth,” said MBEP President & CEO Tahra Goraya. “These conversations are focused on developing a clear vision for our region and a game plan to ensure that we’re meeting the workforce needs of those who already live and work in the Monterey Bay region.”

Monterey Bay DART Executive Director Josh Metz weighed in on regional infrastructure development. “AAM companies have recognized the ideal geography and local airports of the tri-county region for AAM testing,” Metz said. “We have an incredible opportunity to secure this region’s seat at the advanced air mobility sector table, and support the growth of these exciting companies while realizing a more diverse, resilient, and inclusive economy for the Monterey Bay region and the state of California.”

Joby’s President of Operations and MBEP Board Member, Bonny Simi, stated, “Our deep, years-long partnerships with numerous members of the Tech Hub consortium have resulted in impactful workforce initiatives and the creation of hundreds of high-tech manufacturing jobs in the region. We are enthusiastic about continuing this important work for the benefit of the community.”

Archer’s Chief People & Partnerships Officer, Tosha Perkins, expressed support for consortium efforts: “The AAM industry holds tremendous economic growth and job creation potential, and the tri-county region is at the heart of these efforts,” said Perkins. “We’re proud to be collaborating with key public and private sector stakeholders in our region to ensure California continues to lead the world on this innovative technology as we work together to unlock the full potential that the electrification of aviation has to offer.

Access the form and register your interest in the Tech Hub Initiative:

Register HERE

Infrastructure Working Group

DART is facilitating the Monterey Bay Tech Hub – Infrastructure Working Group (IWG). Objectives of the IWG as currently defined include:

  • Grow R&D supporting and AAM operation enabling infrastructure at Monterey Bay regional and local airports to:
    • Attract additional R&D activity
    • Pilot critical infrastructure and scalable approaches
    • Supporting and expand existing R&D activity
  • Strengthen relationships among AAM infrastructure stakeholder community from local to national scale
  • Prepare strategic AAM infrastructure development plan for consideration by larger Tech Hub group

The IWG will meet virtually on the first Thursday of the month from 1-2pm, and in-person ~once each quarter. If you are interested in being a part of the IWG please register your interest using the form above. 

DART-Joby AMAP: Empowering Futures, Fostering Growth

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Monterey Bay DART and Joby Aviation call for Advance Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program applications.

View Press Release

The DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP) is a collaboration between the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative and Joby Aviation, dedicated to meeting rapidly scaling industry needs and advancing inclusive economic mobility efforts in the Monterey Bay region. The DART-Joby AMAP has demonstrated remarkable success in establishing trusted industry-local workforce relationships, refining recruitment and training processes, and ultimately securing family-sustaining wage job outcomes by establishing productive partnerships between Joby Aviation and community-based organizations, academic institutions, and economic development entities.

The DART-Joby AMAP consists of 6-month paid apprenticeships, under the direction of highly skilled Joby Aviation personnel, that result in upskilling local community members to meet increased demand for advanced manufacturing technicians, robot operation and maintenance, and other entry-level aerospace career pathways. 

Since its launch in fall 2022, the DART-Joby AMAP has facilitated remarkable success. With 23 apprentices enrolled from a pool of over 200 applicants, 20 have transitioned to full-time employment at Joby in 2023. The success of this partnership is seen in the creation of increased opportunities and pathways for underserved community members, as well as continued growth and expansion of cutting edge technology companies within the region. 

“Our partnership with DART has unlocked numerous promising career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and established a model for developing the workforce of the future.” said Bonny Simi, President of Operations at Joby Aviation. “As we redefine the future of mobility, we have an opportunity to change the face of aerospace and make opportunities available to a more diverse workforce of talented individuals.”

In light of these measures of success, the established DART-Joby AMAP is ready to scale and meet the increasing skilled worker demand at Joby Aviation. The next round of funding from the Irvine Foundation Priority Communities Initiative builds on this established momentum in several ways including: 

  • Scaling the Workforce: supporting  Joby’s projected 690-worker growth trajectory by expanding the DART-Joby AMAP in California
  • Curriculum Development: creating advanced manufacturing-oriented curriculum for integration into local community colleges and workforce training centers
  • Community Access: expanding recruitment collaborations with community-based organizations to ensure broader community access to innovation-driven tech career pathways

“We are thrilled the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program pilot has proven effective in opening up new, high-road career pathways for Salinas and Pajaro Valley residents, and has demonstrated to Joby and other emerging technology companies the tremendous potential of this region for supporting their appropriate scale growth” said Josh Metz, DART Executive Director. “It is a privilege to have the strong support of the James Irvine Foundation, active partnership with the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative and other community-base organizations, and continued engagement with Joby Aviation. We are honored to serve this role supporting the emergence of such an exciting industry, while contributing to realizing a more accessible and inclusive economy.”

The DART-Joby AMAP will continue to provide specialized education and skills training aligned with business needs, made possible by its longstanding collaboration with educational institutions throughout the region. Additionally, the DART-Joby AMAP will empower underserved populations, promote diversity in entrepreneurship, and offer training and employment opportunities to marginalized communities. By addressing these challenges head-on, the DART-Joby AMAP will continue to create a more equitable and prosperous future for the Central Coast region. 

If you or someone you know is interested in the 2024 DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP) Cohort, please enter your information here. We will notify you when recruitment opens.

Register Here

Monterey Bay DART and Joby Aviation Announce Call for Applications for Next Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program Cohort

MARINA, CA –Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technologies (DART) Initiative and Joby Aviation, Inc. are pleased to announce the opening of applications for the next Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP) cohort. This collaborative initiative aims to address the rapidly scaling industry needs and advance inclusive economic mobility efforts in the Monterey Bay region.

The DART-Joby AMAP is a testament to the success of industry-local workforce relationships, recruitment, and training processes. Established in fall 2022, the program has demonstrated remarkable outcomes, facilitating the transition of apprentices into full-time employment at Joby Aviation. Since its inception, over 60 apprentices have participated, with more than 90% transitioning into permanent positions at Joby as technicians, inspectors, and supervisors.

“Our partnership with DART has unlocked numerous promising career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and established a model for developing the workforce of the future,” said Joby Aviation President of Operations Bonny Simi. “As we redefine the future of mobility, we have an opportunity to change the face of aerospace and make opportunities available to a more diverse workforce of talented individuals.”

Building on this success, the DART-Joby AMAP is poised to scale further with the support of the Irvine Foundation Priority Communities Initiative. The program will expand its reach, supporting Joby’s projected 690-worker growth trajectory, developing an advanced manufacturing-oriented curriculum, and ensuring broader community access to innovation-driven tech career pathways.

“We are thrilled the Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program pilot has proven effective in opening up new, high-road career pathways for Salinas and Pajaro Valley residents,” said Executive Director of Monterey Bay DART Josh Metz. “It is a privilege to have the strong support of the James Irvine Foundation, an active partnership with Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI), and ongoing engagement with Joby Aviation.”

The DART-Joby AMAP will continue to provide specialized education and skills training aligned with business needs, empowering underserved populations and promoting diversity in entrepreneurship. Interested individuals are encouraged to apply for the 2024 cohort to join this transformative program.

For more information and to register interest, visit: www.mbdart.org/joby-amap/ 

About Monterey Bay DART

The Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technologies (DART) initiative is a non-profit dedicated to advancing innovation and creating high-road career pathways in the fields of drone, automation, and robotics technology. To learn more, visit: www.montereybaydart.org.

About Joby

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:JOBY) is a California-based transportation company developing an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing air taxi which it intends to operate as part of a fast, quiet, and convenient service in cities around the world. To learn more, visit: www.jobyaviation.com.

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2023 Year in Review

Monterey Bay DART Year in Review: Soaring High in 2023!

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2023 Year in Review

As we bid farewell to another remarkable year, we want to express our sincere gratitude for being part of the Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) community. It has been a year filled with innovation, growth, and exciting developments, and we’re thrilled to share our Year in Review with you.

A Year of Achievements:

  • In October, Monterey Bay DART and CSUMB secured a $1.95 million grant from the James Irvine Foundation. This funding will build on our momentum, expanding the DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Program (AMAP), launching the DART-FarmNG AMAP, strengthening partnerships with CBOs, and enhancing DART’s organizational capacity. 

Highlighting Key Projects:

  • Monterey Bay DART, in partnership with the Hatamiya Group, is finalizing a Feasibility Study which assessed the demand for a Regional Workforce Training Center focused on preparing the local workforce for the jobs of the future in advanced manufacturing, drones, automation, and robotics technology. Expected completion in Q1 2024.
  • The CITRIS Center for Drone Education and Research (CIDER) at UC Santa Cruz and the Monterey Bay DART are continuing to make significant progress on our collaborative DART Workforce Skills Demand Study. This study is actively assessing the current and future workforce skills demand for the use of drones in agriculture, infrastructure inspection, construction monitoring, and related fields within the tri-county region. Expected completion in Q2 2024.
  • In June, Monterey Bay DART supported the planning, marketing and implementation of the UCANR Drone Camp at CSUMB, including 8 Drone Camp scholarships in partnership with Building Healthy Communities in Seaside. The UCANR Drone Camp celebrated its 6th year in Monterey acknowledging DART’s instrumental role in facilitating the UCANR and CSUMB collaboration.

Community Collaboration:

Our thriving community is at the heart of everything we do. This year, we’ve fostered even stronger partnerships and collaborations. Together, we’ve shared insights, exchanged ideas, and collectively worked towards shaping the future of community and economic development in our region.

  • In November, the Monterey Bay Joby Aviation Working Group celebrated Joby Aviation’s $9.8M Cal Competes Grant to expand their facility at Marina Airport. This award will leverage a $41.3 million investment by Joby, creating 690 full-time jobs statewide by 2027. Locally, this will open hundreds of job opportunities, building on the DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship pilot program.
  • In March, Monterey Bay DART hosted a delegation from the Kern Career Technical Education Campus (CTEC). Participants from Monterey Bay included Cabrillo College, UCSC, CSUMB, Monterey County, Learning For Life Charter School, MBEP, and Joby Aviation.
  • Additionally, DART was represented at the following community outreach events during the past year:
    • Black August 2023
    • Monterey Peninsula Chamber of Commerce – Economic Vitality Committee
    • California Special Districts Association Annual Meeting
    • EDGE Collaborative iHub Convening, Manteca
    • ChicoStart – North State Familiarity Tour
    • SIEDI Annual Convening 2023 
    • MBEP State of the Region 2023 
    • CALED Annual Conference, Los Angeles 2023
    • DOT Inter-Agency Working Group on Advanced Air Mobility, October 2023

Industry Events and Engagements:

Looking Ahead to 2024:

As we embark on a new year, Monterey Bay DART is committed to exploring new frontiers and continuing to lead the way in the ever-evolving landscape of drone, automation, and robotics technology.

Thank You for Your Support:

None of our achievements would be possible without the unwavering support of our community, partners, and stakeholders. As we reflect on the past year, we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead. Stay tuned for more exciting developments, projects, and collaborations in 2024!

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

The Monterey Bay Joby Aviation Working Group Celebrates $9.8M CalCompetes Award to Joby Aviation

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 17, 2023

Marina will see hundreds of jobs, expanded investment in manufacturing 

Marina, CA – The Monterey Bay Joby Aviation Working Group is celebrating the $9.8M Cal Competes grant awarded to Joby Aviation to enable the manufacturing, maintenance and pilot training facility expansion at the Marina Municipal Airport in Central California. This transformative award will leverage an additional $41.3 million investment by Joby and hiring of 690 full time jobs throughout the state by 2027. Locally, hundreds of new job opportunities will be open to workers in our region building upon the DART-Joby Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship pilot program. 

“This grant to Joby for their planned manufacturing expansion in Marina affirms California’s commitment to build the future of advanced air mobility through a partnership with government, community, and industry, which I like to describe as the Marina Way,” said State Senator Anna M. Caballero, author of SB800 to create the regulatory framework for advanced air mobility. 

The State’s $9.8M investment leverages the dedication and persistence of the Working Group, who met regularly over the past year, in collaboration with State officials, elected representatives and community-based organizations to support Joby’s expansion in Marina. During the CalCompetes Committee hearing, Maria Elena Manzo, Project Director of Mujeres en Accion, stood alongside Joby CFO Matt Feld, in front of an aircraft under construction to represent the model of inclusive economic development that centers community and access to high-road jobs envisioned by Governor Newsom for a sustainable and equitable recovery from the pandemic while transitioning to a carbon-neutral economy. 

Bruce Delgado, Mayor of Marina, stated, “Marina is excited that, with this CalCompetes grant, Joby will be able to expand their production capabilities at our Marina Municipal Airport, creating hundreds of new, local jobs. The funding will also support Joby in expanding their research and development hub here in Marina and continue their success as a leader in the eVTOL industry.”

The planned expansion at the Marina Municipal Airport is “shovel ready” because of the constant collaboration among the Working Group to collectively problem solve and remove barriers as Joby pursued necessary approvals, power upgrades and planning requirements. Josh Metz, of Monterey Bay DART, who coordinated the Working Group highlighted, “This was truly a team effort. We are excited to see how the new facilities and workforce demand will increase aerospace career pathway opportunities for Salinas and Pajaro Valley residents and anchor the emerging climate-smart, aviation and robotics technology ecosystem on the Central Coast. This is a big win for our region that will inspire more opportunities ahead.”

The Monterey Bay Joby Aviation Working Group includes: the Monterey Bay Drone Automation and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative, the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI), the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP), the City of Marina, Monterey County, CSU Monterey Bay, UC Santa Cruz, PG&E, Central Coast Clean Energy, the Office of Senator Anna Caballero, Senator John Laird, Senator Dawn Addis, and Congressman Panetta. 

State Senator John Laird, District 17: “Joby has been at the forefront of pioneering the evolution towards environmentally sustainable air transportation. They exemplify the California spirit through their unwavering diligence and tenacity. I am genuinely privileged to host not only their manufacturing facility in Marina, but also their headquarters in Santa Cruz within the bounds of my Senate District. The achievements enabled by this grant promise to positively catalyze our communities throughout the Monterey Bay region.” 

Sonia M. De La Rosa, County Administrative Officer, County of Monterey: “Joby Aviation’s groundbreaking strides in environmentally sustainable air transportation resonate deeply with Monterey County’s ethos. Hosting their manufacturing hub in the City of Marina, Monterey County is a true privilege. This grant signifies a pivotal turning point, igniting a wave of positive impact throughout the Monterey Bay region. It stands as a testament to our collective dedication, uniting diverse organizations, leaders, and communities in advancing our shared vision for inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability. The County of Monterey stands firmly behind Joby’s expansion within our region, continuing our unwavering support as they pioneer sustainable aviation technology, fostering growth, and aligning with our commitment to a greener, more prosperous future.” 

President Vanya Quiñones, Cal State Monterey Bay: “Cal State Monterey Bay is excited by the opportunities this new grant brings for creating new career pathways for students within our university. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Joby Aviation and DART, especially as we launch our new College of Science mechatronics engineering program and continue the work of our College of Business Institute of Innovation and Economic Development.”

Larry Samuels, Strategic Advisor to the Chancellor, UC Santa Cruz: “Joby’s Marina expansion recognizes the unique workforce opportunities in the Greater Salinas MSA. We are enthusiastic about the potential of creating an Advanced Air Mobility Tech Hub in the region and Joby’s support and leadership towards that vision is to be commended.”

Tahra Goraya, President & CEO MBEP: “Joby’s visionary clean-energy aircraft technology is having a transformative influence on the way we think about transportation while creating sustainable, high-skilled jobs that are reinvigorating our regional economy. We’re thrilled to partner with Joby as it continues to expand.”

Barbara Meister, Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI): “This is what inclusive economic development looks and feels like. The DART-Joby apprenticeship is proof that the Salinas Valley, despite its challenges, has motivated workers ready to contribute to an innovative company like Joby and share in the economic benefits of its success. SIEDI organizations are working on a robust workforce development strategy and persevering on the issues of housing, childcare, education and digital access, foundational to a thriving and equitable economy that serves all of us.” 

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About Monterey Bay DART Initiative

The Monterey Bay Drone, Automation, and Robotics Technology (DART) Initiative is a pioneering nonprofit organization committed to fostering innovation and creating high-road career pathways in the fields of drone, automation, and robotics technology. Through strategic partnerships, community engagement, and educational programs, we aim to empower underserved communities and drive inclusive economic growth in the Monterey Bay region.

About the Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP)

Monterey Bay Economic Partnership (MBEP) is a regional member-supported nonprofit organization consisting of public, private, and civic entities located throughout the counties of Monterey, San Benito, and Santa Cruz. Founded in 2015, our mission is to improve the economic health and quality of life in the region.

About Cal State Monterey Bay

Cal State Monterey Bay is a mid-size residential campus that provides more than 7,500 students an extraordinary opportunity to learn in an inspiring coastal environment just one mile from the shores of the beautiful Monterey Bay. Our diverse student body receives personal attention in small classes while pursuing degrees in 25 undergraduate and 9 graduate majors.

About the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative (SIEDI)

SIEDI is composed of 9 community-based organizations, with deep roots and connections in the Salinas Valley community. With funding from the James Irvine Foundation in partnership with the Community Foundation for Monterey County, the initiative is building the capacity of these nonprofits to influence inclusive recovery and economic development, especially those related to the preservation and creation of quality, family-sustaining jobs.

About the University of California, Santa CruzA global research university, UC Santa Cruz is part of the world’s most celebrated system of public higher education and stands among the most renowned institutions of higher learning. Leading at the intersection of innovation and social justice, UC Santa Cruz faculty and students conduct transformative research and scholarship that serves society. Undergraduate students experience a small liberal arts college environment with the depth and rigor of a major research university through the pairing of high-impact research with 10 tight-knit residential colleges – a rare combination among U.S. public universities. UC Santa Cruz shares the distinction of being the youngest member of the Association of American Universities and one of only five members that is both a Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions.