Design work is progressing on Pierpont Community & Technical College’s new Aviation Maintenance Training Center at North Central West Virginia Airport, a facility that will expand the college’s capacity to train FAA‑certified aviation maintenance technicians.
After a brief pause to finalize funding and complete required property acquisitions, the project has fully resumed. Pierpont continues to work closely with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, West Virginia Economic Development Authority and local officials as the project advances toward the bid phase. Omni Architects is completing final design work, which is expected to conclude by the end of April. Once finalized, the project will move out for bid, with construction to follow.
“We’re excited to see this project moving forward,” says Chris Treadway, vice chancellor for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. “As with most construction projects, we’ve made some adjustments between the concept and design phases to keep the project on budget without compromising Pierpont’s ability to offer a high-quality training program that meets the needs of the region’s employers. This is a great investment in West Virginia’s workforce, and we can’t wait to see it come to life.”
Training Facility Designed for Industry Needs
The new center will feature modern labs, classrooms, testing space and aviation maintenance training areas aligned with FAA Part 147 standards. While rising construction costs required sensible design refinements, such as removing a small second‑floor office area and repurposing a large multi‑use room, training capacity and program quality remain unchanged.
“Our aviation maintenance program trains students for one of the highest‑demand careers in the country,” says Dr. Michael Waide, interim president of Pierpont Community & Technical College. “This new facility maintains full instructional capability, expands our enrollment capacity and strengthens the workforce pipeline for our region and the state.”
Pierpont currently enrolls about 130 students across airframe and powerplant pathways; the expansion will allow the program to grow to approximately 230 learners. The college also anticipates adding faculty and offering new short‑term workforce training options as demand continues to rise.
Meeting Local and National Workforce Needs
Aviation maintenance technicians are in short supply nationwide, with industry growth and retirements creating thousands of job openings each year. Pierpont’s program prepares graduates for FAA Airframe & Powerplant certification—credentials that lead to high‑wage careers with airlines, regional carriers, aerospace manufacturers, maintenance providers and government agencies.
Being located directly at North Central West Virginia Airport offers students a unique advantage. Many graduates are hired by employers located on the airfield, while others pursue opportunities across the region and country.
“It’s absolutely realistic for someone to complete our program and walk across the tarmac into a high‑wage job,” Waide says. “Our students train in the same environment where employers operate, and they’re ready to step into critical roles the day they graduate.”
A Long-Term Investment in Workforce and Regional Growth
Collaboration with state partners has kept the project on a steady path forward. Once design work concludes this spring, the project is expected to move to bid, with groundbreaking anticipated this summer.
Pierpont is also preparing for a capital campaign through the Pierpont Foundation and its board to support furnishings and fixtures, along with opportunities for naming hangars or key aspects of the facility. This allows community and industry partners to invest directly into the future of the program and future workers in this industry.
The college is exploring future program enhancements, including additional short‑term workforce credentials, expanded night and weekend training options and greater engagement with high school and dual enrollment students to introduce general aviation concepts earlier.
“The aviation industry continues to grow, and this facility is designed with long‑term adaptability in mind,” Waide says. “As needs evolve, we’ll be ready with the right space, partnerships and programs to serve West Virginia.”
