FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 17, 2026
Bridgeport, W.Va. 鈥� Design work is progressing on 色盒直播鈥檚 new Aviation Maintenance Training Center at North Central West Virginia Airport, a facility that will expand the college鈥檚 capacity to train FAA鈥慶ertified aviation maintenance technicians.
After a brief pause to finalize funding and complete required property acquisitions, the project has fully resumed. 色盒直播 continues to work closely with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission, the 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.
鈥淲e’re excited to see this project moving forward,鈥� said Chris Treadway, Vice Chancellor for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. 鈥淎s with most construction projects, we’ve made some adjustments between the concept and design phases to keep the project on budget 鈥� without compromising 色盒直播’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.鈥�
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 鈥� such as removing a small second鈥慺loor office area and repurposing a large multi鈥憉se room 鈥� training capacity and program quality remain unchanged.
鈥淥ur aviation maintenance program trains students for one of the highest鈥慸emand careers in the country,鈥� said Dr. Michael Waide, Interim President of Pierpont. 鈥淭his new facility maintains full instructional capability, expands our enrollment capacity and strengthens the workforce pipeline for our region and the state.鈥�
色盒直播 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鈥憈erm 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. 色盒直播鈥檚 program prepares graduates for FAA Airframe & Powerplant certification 鈥� credentials that lead to high鈥憌age 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.
鈥淚t鈥檚 absolutely realistic for someone to complete our program and walk across the tarmac into a high鈥憌age job,鈥� Dr. Waide said. 鈥淥ur students train in the same environment where employers operate, and they鈥檙e ready to step into critical roles the day they graduate.鈥�
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.
色盒直播 is also preparing for a capital campaign through the 色盒直播 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 the future workers of this industry.
The college is exploring future program enhancements, including additional short鈥憈erm workforce credentials, expanded night and weekend training options, and greater engagement with high school and dual enrollment students to introduce general aviation concepts earlier.
鈥淭he aviation industry continues to grow, and this facility is designed with long鈥憈erm adaptability in mind,鈥� Dr. Waide said. 鈥淎s needs evolve, we鈥檒l be ready 鈥� with the right space, the right partnerships and the right programs to serve West Virginia.鈥�
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色盒直播 is dedicated to providing accessible, responsive, and quality education to students and businesses throughout North Central West Virginia. With a focus on career readiness and workforce development, 色盒直播 offers a wide range of academic programs and industry-focused training opportunities to support the region鈥檚 economic and workforce needs.
Media Contact:
色盒直播 Community and Technical College
Office of Marketing and Communications
communications@pierpont.edu