The Eastern Iowa Airport has opened the Aviation Workforce Development Campus in July 2025, aiming to fix urgent staffing shortages in the aviation industry. This new campus, located at the Eastern Iowa Airport, brings together education, hands-on training, and industry partnerships to help fill jobs for pilots, aircraft maintenance technicians, and aviation managers.
The Aviation Workforce Development Campus uses two repurposed hangars, a classroom, and laboratory space for real-world training. The project is a partnership between the Eastern Iowa Airport, Coe College, and Kirkwood Community College. Coe College will start its aviation management and flight operations program in autumn 2025, offering flight training through ATD Flight Systems. This program targets the national shortage of 17,000 pilots, mostly due to retirements. Kirkwood Community College began its Aviation Maintenance Technology program at the airport in fall 2023 and now fully operates within the new campus, focusing on training technicians and avionics specialists. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects over 13,000 annual job openings in these fields through 2031.
Marty Lenss, Director of the Eastern Iowa Airport, said, “By establishing this Aviation Workforce Development Campus, we’re not only preparing students for positions throughout aviation to sustain industry operations locally and worldwide, but we’re also positioning CID as a regional hub for aviation education.” David Hayes, President of Coe College, added, “The Eastern Iowa Airport’s vision for this campus creates a special opportunity to help fill a need for both the Corridor and a larger industry that’s crucial to economic growth on a local to global scale.” Kristie Fisher, President of Kirkwood Community College, noted, “This campus represents a serious response to workforce needs and a terrific opportunity for our students to be part of the airport’s leadership in aligning education and training with national demand.”
The Eastern Iowa Airport saw a record 1.5 million passengers in 2024, up 9% from 2023, showing strong regional demand and the need for more aviation workers. The airport is home to 124 general aviation aircraft, the most in Iowa, and supports major employers like Collins Aerospace and BAE Systems.
The campus creates a pipeline of skilled aviation professionals for local and national employers. Students benefit from direct access to industry-standard equipment, real airport operations, and strong job placement prospects. The program is expected to boost regional economic growth, attract aviation businesses, and support the airport’s continued expansion.
Kirkwood Community College runs its technician training on a yearly contract, keeping the program flexible. Coe College’s flight school and management program will start enrolling students for autumn 2025, offering both pilot and management tracks. The Discover Aerospace program for high school students will launch in fall 2025, further growing the workforce pipeline.
Industry experts agree that hands-on, airport-based training is essential for closing the skills gap. As reported by VisaVerge.com, this approach ensures students are job-ready and helps the region stay competitive. For more details on aviation workforce programs, visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s official page.
The Aviation Workforce Development Campus stands as a model for solving staffing shortages, supporting students, employers, and the broader community.
Learn Today
Aviation Workforce Development Campus → A specialized training center addressing staffing shortages in aviation through education and hands-on experience at Eastern Iowa Airport.
Pilot Shortage → A national deficit of qualified pilots largely due to retirements, creating urgent demand in aviation sectors.
Flight Operations Program → A course combining aviation management and flight training to prepare students for pilot and industry roles.
Aviation Maintenance Technology → Training focused on repairing and maintaining aircraft systems, avionics, and safety standards.
Job Placement → Support and resources aiding students in securing employment within the aviation industry after program completion.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Aviation Workforce Development Campus at Eastern Iowa Airport bridges education and industry, tackling pilot shortages. Coe College and Kirkwood Community College provide hands-on training, preparing students for aviation careers and supporting regional economic growth while enhancing job readiness with real-world airport experience and advanced flight technologies.
— By VisaVerge.com
