WVDE, Marshall Partner To Introduce Students To Aviation Industry Careers 

Primary school students in West Virginia will soon be able to explore future opportunities in aviation. 

The West Virginia Department of Education (WVDE) and Marshall University are partnering to prepare the next generation of pilots, airplane technicians and aerospace engineers.  

The Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia Pathway (AIRWV) prepares students for high-demand jobs in the aviation field. State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt and Marshall University President Brad Smith signed a ceremonial memorandum of understanding today in Charleston to announce the partnership Thursday. 

AIRWV offers career technical education exploration and access to introduce students in Grades K-12 to the aviation industry. From introductory lessons among young learners to hands-on, work-based experiences at the high school level, students can gain a deeper understanding of the industry and prepare for a rewarding career. Upon graduation, students may enter the aviation workforce or continue their journey through post-secondary education. 

In a press release, the WVDE said the program was developed after aviation representatives expressed interest in introducing students to aviation career opportunities. 

Recent national and federal reports have outlined the need to boost specializations in the aviation industry. Due to a national shortage of 17,000 technicians and mechanics in North America – a shortfall that is projected to peak in 2028 at approximately 30,000 – aggressive efforts are underway across the country to meet this demand. 
  
Even though advances in technology offer some relief, the Federal Aviation Administration reports a target of more than 12,000 air traffic controllers needed to properly support the airline industry. 
  
“This is another example of how public education works with higher education and industry partners to respond to the ever-changing needs of our workforce,” Blatt said. “This vertically aligned system builds on knowledge, skills and experiences from elementary to middle and on to high school. At the end of their journey, students will be prepared for any number of careers that are the foundation of the aviation and aerospace industry.” 

Educators and instructors will begin their training this summer, with the five pilot counties of Barbour, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha and Logan prepared to roll out the new offering this fall.  

Marshall University’s flight school aims to help meet the nation’s projected need for commercial pilots over the next 20 years. Students can earn a Marshall University degree and FAA certification upon completion of the program.  

“AIRWV is about opening doors, expanding opportunities and helping young people across West Virginia imagine possibilities they once considered out of reach,” Smith said. “This program creates pathways that lead to future pilots, maintenance technicians, airport operations leaders, aerospace engineers, or careers and innovations we cannot even envision today. West Virginia has always produced extraordinary people, and we have a proud heritage in aviation. Today’s announcement represents the next chapter in our aviation journey as we build an even stronger future for West Virginia.” 

Marshall recently received $900,000 in federal funds for the construction of a new aviation training facility at the Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport.