Pierpont Community & Technical College celebrated the graduation of its fourth class in the Aircraft Structures Training Program (ASTP) on Friday, November 21st.  The ASTP is the result of our successful partnership with the local aerospace industry that provides qualified, skilled laborers in high-demand occupations.   

 

This partnership was developed to help unemployed and underemployed citizens of North Central West Virginia to learn skills necessary to launch a career in the growing field of aviation located at the North Central West Virginia Airport that leads to good paying job opportunities.

 

This course, designed in conjunction with our industry partners is an intensive eight-week program that develops skills in safety, highly precise measuring, quality controls, aircraft structures knowledge, and advanced sheet metal fabrication skills. The quality of the training and the skills developed have produced graduates, over the past four classes, who all have been offered employment with one of our local companies before the actual graduation.

 

The graduation ceremony was held at the North Central West Virginia Airport terminal in the Benedum Room at 1:00 p.m. Friday. Each of the ten graduates start new jobs this Monday with HQ Aero. After completing FAA certifications at HQ Aero, they will be continue to advance in their career by transitioning to Bombardier, Inc. 

 

Pierpont offers two-year Associate Degree programs; one-year Certificate Programs; and Short-term Training Programs that prepare West Virginians for high-demand careers close to home. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured, from row, from left, are Abraham Blair, Jeffrey Raeder, Elsie Kyle, Carol Guin, Timmy Dalton and Lacey Sturm. Back row, from left, Pierpont Community & Technical College President Dr. Larson, Chris Stout, Garrett Perkins, Todd Perkins, Brandon Fontaine and former graduate and instructor Mark Heefner, far back to the left. Photo courtesy of Pierpont Community & Technical College.