An undisputed fact of AAM adoption in West Virginia is guaranteed job creation, but what about how AAM upskills WV’s workforce?
As the recent Deloitte-conducted study makes clear, West Virginia stands poised to embrace an era of economic prosperity through Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). This emerging technology promises to revolutionize transportation and catalyze job creation and workforce development, particularly in economically devastated communities.
What benefits can we expect for West Virginia workers if AAM is successfully adopted? How will AAM upskill WV’s workforce?
AAM’s Economic Benefit
Experts expect the impact of AAM on West Virginia’s economy to be huge. With its airports alone, the aviation sector already injects over $1.6 billion into the state’s economy, supporting more than 10,770 jobs. With the advent of AAM, these numbers are projected to soar even higher. AAM will demand skilled personnel in scientific, technical, and engineering fields.
Moreover, the ripple effects will extend to supporting industries such as utilities, infrastructure development, and manufacturing. This further bolsters job opportunities across the state. The construction, administration, and ongoing maintenance of vertiports like this rendering from Whisper Aero will provide a constant source of jobs.
Bolstering Struggling Communities
In recent decades, Mingo County, once regarded as “the heart of the trillion-dollar coalfield,” has faced a harsh economic decline. The precipitous drop in coal-related jobs from 21,084 in 1997 to a mere 1,186 in 2019 underscores the urgent need for diversification and innovation. AAM offers the hope of filling the void left by the dwindling coal industry through workforce development and upskilling initiatives.
In fact, the Mingo County Redevelopment Authority (MCRA) is one entity leading the charge to introduce AAM to West Virginia. Through its K-16 AAM curriculum initiative, the MCRA is introducing AAM workforce development to students at a young age, ensuring maximum impact and lasting interest in the emerging field.
Reversing WV’s “Brain Drain”
A key advantage of AAM lies in its potential to attract and retain talent. In a state where job opportunities can be scarce, initiatives like the ASCEND Program offer incentives for remote workers to relocate to West Virginia, bringing fresh perspectives and skills. ASCEND currently enjoys a 98% retention rate.
Likewise, collaborative efforts between academic institutions and state economic initiatives aim to support recent graduates finding careers within the state. This effort stems the outflow of graduates (often dubbed “Brain Drain”) and fosters a sense of community pride.
Conclusion
As West Virginia positions itself as an AAM innovation hub, it could retain its educated workforce, draw back former residents, and attract new talent. By leveraging innovative programs and capitalizing on the expanding AAM industry, West Virginia can chart a course toward sustainable economic growth and prosperity for future generations.
Interested in learning more? Contact Vertx Partners today and join our efforts to bring AAM to the Mountain State.