BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. North Central West Virginias hub of aerospace and aviation is continuing to grow, thanks in great part to the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center.

Director Thomas Stose said that job opportunities are plentiful, not only in the Mountain State but nationwide.

The Boeing Company predicts a shortage of 650,000 employees in the industry, Stose said.

Following the trends that are posted by Boeing, aircraft sales are up, he said. Im getting calls because of these shortages from companies outside the state of West Virginia wanting to know if some of our technicians would be willing to relocate.

As the only FAA certified training center in the state, the Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center has a 100 percent placement for its graduates.

We have the companies coming to the school before the students even complete, looking for future employees, Stose said. In fact were constantly in contact with the local employers. Bombardier hires many of our graduates, and many of our graduates have gone on, gained experience and moved into management positions.

KCI Aviation, Pratt & Whitney and Aurora Flight Services are also among those who hire the centers graduates.

The Robert C. Byrd National Aerospace Education Center offers two programs an eight-week Aircraft Structures Training Program (ASTP) and a two-year associates degree program in Aviation Maintenance Technology.

The 25 to 30 students that graduate from the program each year are a diverse group. Students range from recent high school graduates to displaced coal miners and even adults simply looking for a career change.

Guys and gals, Stose said. Were always looking for more ladies in this career field because they have a great deal of talent working on high performance and high technology aircraft.

Stose said the industry is most appealing to individuals who enjoy hands-on work and a challenge.

This isnt just wrench twisting, this is high technology, he said. Were dealing with digital electronics were dealing with computers. This is a career where youre going to use your mind and your hands.

Not only are the jobs well-paying, they are stable, as is the industry, Stose said.

Students that I had 20 years ago in front of me in the classroom are still working here in North Central West Virginia, so were offering lifelong careers and the opportunity for growth, he said.

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Sky is Not the Limit for Mountain State's Aerospace Industry | 1440 ... - wajr