Aerospace Career Weekend
West Virginia Civil Air Patrol Inspires Young Cadets with Aerospace Career Exploration Opportunity
By Captain Amanda Zari
Bridgeport W.V. (11/18/2023) – West Virginia Civil Air Patrol (CAP) conducted a statewide youth career exploration event aimed at introducing more than 40 cadets, aged 14-21, to the exciting world of aerospace education. The annual event provided cadets with the opportunity to visit local aviation businesses and attend presentations by volunteers from Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Aviation Maintenance Training Program located at the Robert C Byrd National Aerospace Education Center in Bridgeport.
The group toured Pratt and Whitney Engine Services and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Regional Jet Maintenance Center. Cadets attend three hands-on classes in aviation and STEM. These classes were taught by Civil Air Patrol aerospace education members as well as Pierpont instructors. Ben Miller, a student at Pierpont Community and Technical College said
“It is a really great experience to work
with the next wave of potential aviation professionals. I am excited to be part of their journey because on my journey I have had a great group of mentors.
Matt Vincent, Line Engineer with Pratt and Whitney stated “Aviation is crucial for the growth and security of this country. This field is growing, and we already have positions that we can’t fill”.
During the event, cadets engaged in various activities designed to inspire their interest in careers related to aerospace. These activities include instruction in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), hands-on experience in building small airplanes, and even constructing a flying saucer. By exposing young individuals to the world of aerospace, the event aims to strengthen the industry by nurturing the next generation of talented professionals.
Civil Air Patrol’s commitment to offering such opportunities demonstrates a dedication to empowering young people and fostering their enthusiasm for aviation and aerospace education. Through this event, cadets will gain valuable insights into potential career paths into various engineering careers as well as mechanical design, production, avionics technician, flight attendant, paramedic, pilot, air traffic controller, aircraft maintenance technician, just to name a few, encouraging them to consider pursuing careers in this dynamic field.
Heidi Cogar, a representative from Pratt & Whitney said, “We are excited to host the Civil Air Patrol cadets during their
Aerospace Education weekend again this year. We appreciate the opportunity to showcase what we do and why we love to do it. It’s wonderful to see the cadets’ faces when they walk out onto the shop floor; I’m not sure if the cadets or our employee tour guides are more excited to talk about overhauling and repairing engines. With the shortage of aviation mechanics and the fact that fewer than 3% are women, we want to reach as many young folks as possible and get them as passionate about aviation as we are.”
By investing in the development of future aerospace professionals, the West Virginia Civil Air Patrol is contributing to the growth and advancement of the industry, ensuring a bright future for aviation in the state.
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About Civil Air Patrol
Founded in 1941 and established as the official civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force seven years later, Civil Air Patrol is chartered by Congress as a nonprofit organization for the purposes of youth development, aerospace education, and to promote general aviation. In an auxiliary role as a Total Force partner of the Air Force, CAP operates the world’s largest fleet of single-engine aircraft for search and rescue, disaster relief, training, and education. Civil Air Patrol is dedicated to serving America’s communities, saving lives, and shaping futures.
Visit CAP.news or GoCivilAirPatrol.com and for more information. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube.
Press Contact:
Colonel Debbie Butler-Case
West Virginia Wing Commander
112 Airport Rd., Charleston, WV 25311
Mobile: 304.389.0556
Email: dbutler-case@wvwg.cap.gov
