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Students gather around a HealthNet Aeromedical Services helicopter after a special landing outside the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center during Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Aviation Technology Career Fair on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Bridgeport, W.Va.
Pierpont Photo. Students gather around a HealthNet Aeromedical Services helicopter after a special landing outside the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center during Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Aviation Technology Career Fair on Thursday, April 23, 2026, in Bridgeport, W.Va.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 28, 2026

BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. — Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Technology and Applied Process Technology programs hosted the 2026 Aviation Technology Career Fair on Thursday, April 23, at the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center, drawing students and a record number of employers from across the aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, energy and workforce development sectors.

The jointly hosted career fair continues to grow, reflecting strong employer demand for skilled technicians and Pierpont’s expanding role as a workforce pipeline for North Central West Virginia.

One of the most visible highlights of the event was a special helicopter landing by HealthNet Aeromedical Services, as two helicopters touched down on the grass field outside the aerospace education center shortly before the fair opened. Students were able to observe the landing, tour the aircraft and speak directly with HealthNet representatives about aviation maintenance and technical career opportunities.

“HealthNet has a statewide presence, but the heart of our program is our people,” said Clinton Burley, president and CEO of HealthNet Aeromedical Services. “We can’t fly without expert maintainers. Partnering with Pierpont allows us to show students that they can train locally, work locally and build high-paying aviation careers right here in West Virginia.”

HealthNet, a statewide not-for-profit organization celebrating 40 years of service, discussed a wide range of aviation-related career pathways, including line maintenance, aircraft maintenance technicians, heavy maintenance roles and leadership opportunities.

Students speak with representatives from KCI Aviation during Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Aviation Technology Career Fair on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport, W.Va.
Pierpont Photo. Students speak with representatives from KCI Aviation during Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Aviation Technology Career Fair on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport, W.Va.

Industry partners emphasized the value of Pierpont’s aviation maintenance program in supporting the region’s aerospace economy.

“You can’t have an aviation industry without trained mechanics,” said Chuck Koukoulis, president of KCI Aviation. “Pierpont is an essential asset to our aerospace community. The quality of graduates coming out of this program is exceptional, and the opportunities for long-term career growth are real.”

The career fair was coordinated through an ongoing collaboration between Pierpont’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) and Applied Process Technology (APT) programs. Brad Gilbert, Program Director of Aviation Maintenance Technology, worked with Blake Lillard, Program Coordinator of Applied Process Technology, to expand employer participation and ensure representation across aviation and advanced manufacturing industries.

“As we continue to grow these programs, it’s critical that students can clearly see what comes next,” Gilbert said. “This event brings employers directly to our aerospace center and shows students the scope of opportunities available when they complete their training.”

Employers participating in the Aviation Technology Career Fair included MHI, Pratt & Whitney, KCI Aviation, HealthNet, Aeromedical Services, Aurora Flight Sciences and numerous regional workforce and industry partners.

Spring Career Fair Series Highlights Pierpont’s Workforce Commitment

The Aviation Technology Career Fair concluded a series of three Spring 2026 career fairs hosted by Pierpont Community & Technical College at locations across North Central West Virginia.

Earlier in the semester, Pierpont hosted a career fair at the Advanced Technology Center in Fairmont, connecting students with employers in healthcare, energy, business, information systems, welding and manufacturing, along with representatives from West Virginia’s four-year universities.

A second event followed at the Gaston Caperton Center in Clarksburg, where students explored career and transfer opportunities aligned with programs such as criminal justice, emergency medical services, early childhood education and veterinary technology.

Together, the three Spring career fairs highlight Pierpont’s commitment to workforce development by bringing education, industry and opportunity together — supporting students as they prepare for in-demand careers while strengthening the region’s economy.

For more information about Pierpont Community & Technical College and its career-focused programs, visit www.pierpont.edu.

Media Coverage

Pierpont Community & Technical College’s Spring 2026 career fairs received regional media coverage, including:

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Pierpont Community & Technical College provides accessible, responsive, and high‑quality education to students and businesses across North Central West Virginia. With a strong focus on career readiness and workforce development, Pierpont offers academic programs and industry‑aligned training that create clear pathways to employment. Through this work, the college helps students discover their path while supporting the region’s economic and workforce needs.