FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 15, 2026
BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. – Pierpont Community & Technical College, in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Community & Technical College System, will break ground Sept. 30 on a new Aviation Maintenance Technology Educational Facility at the West Virginia AeroTech Park.
The ceremony will take place at 1 p.m. at the project site near the new terminal at North Central West Virginia Airport.
The 65,000-square-foot training center will expand the college’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program from approximately 130 students to 230 students. Designed to meet Federal Aviation Administration Part 147 standards, the facility will include aircraft systems and powerplant laboratories, FAA certification testing space, and expanded areas for welding, fabrication and other technical training. The facility is scheduled for completion in 2028.
Located within the West Virginia AeroTech Park, the facility will place students in proximity to aerospace and aviation employers, including Pratt & Whitney, Aurora Flight Sciences, Lockheed Martin and KCI Aviation. Its location reflects one of the program’s greatest strengths: students learn in the same environment where many of them go on to build their careers.
“Our Aviation Maintenance Technology program has been at capacity for years, and demand continues to grow,” said Dr. Michael Waide, president of Pierpont Community & Technical College. “This facility gives us the ability to serve more students, expand training opportunities and strengthen the connection between our program and the employers who continue to invest in North Central West Virginia.”
Graduates of Pierpont’s Aviation Maintenance Technology program pursue careers with airlines, aerospace manufacturers, maintenance and repair providers, government agencies and other aviation-related employers. Many also find opportunities with companies located at and around North Central West Virginia Airport, where the aerospace sector continues to expand.
The project follows years of planning and collaboration among state, regional and industry partners. Once completed, the facility will provide additional capacity for one of Pierpont’s most sought-after programs while supporting the continued growth of aviation and aerospace employers in West Virginia.
Dr. Sarah Armstrong-Tucker, Chancellor of Higher Education, said the new Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) facility will help fill critical workforce needs. “This facility will support the continued growth of West Virginia’s aerospace and aviation industries and put our students on a pathway to an outstanding, good-paying career right here in our state. We thank all our local, state and federal partners and advocates whose dedication and shared vision are making this state-of-the-art learning center possible.”
Community stakeholders and supporters, industry partners, political leaders, faculty, staff and students are invited to attend.
For additional information about the groundbreaking ceremony, visit pierpont.edu/aviation-campaign.
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.
Media Contact:
Stefanie Moore
Pierpont Community and Technical College
Director of Marketing and Communications
srobbins@pierpont.edu