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Barbour County is one of five pilot counties preparing to launch a new statewide aviation pathway this fall through a partnership between the West Virginia Department of Education and Marshall University.
The Aviation Innovation and Readiness West Virginia (AIRWV) Pathway is designed to give West Virginia students a direct route to high-demand and high-wage careers, including jobs as technicians and air traffic controllers. State Superintendent of Schools Michele L. Blatt and Marshall University President Brad Smith signed a ceremonial memorandum of understanding May 28 in Charleston to announce the partnership.
Educators and instructors will begin training this summer, with Barbour, Clay, Jackson, Kanawha and Logan counties prepared to roll out the new offering this fall.
AIRWV is an industry-aligned program that introduces students in grades K-12 to the aviation industry. Through a specially designed curriculum, students may participate in engaging experiences as they connect with unique learning opportunities at all grade levels. Upon graduation, students may enter the aviation workforce or continue their journey through post-secondary education.
The WVDE developed the program after aviation representatives expressed interest in introducing students to the career field. Working closely with industry and higher education partners, the WVDE developed AIRWV as a coordinated system that connects students to real careers and positions in the state. The pathway will offer specializations including pilot, maintenance/technician, airport operations, including air traffic control, and aerospace engineering.
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,” said Blatt. “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.”
“AIRWV is about opening doors, expanding opportunities and helping young people across West Virginia imagine possibilities they once considered out of reach,” said Smith. “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.”
To learn more about the AIRWV pathway, visit the WVDE website.
Photos are available in the AIRWV announcement Flickr album.
