It’s estimated that Washington has nearly 150,000 aerospace jobs, placing it in the top one-third of our state’s industries. To meet growing needs, New Market Skills Center has launched the Aviation Careers Academy, which prepares students for careers in piloting, aircraft maintenance, aerospace engineering, air traffic control and other aviation-related fields.
During this two-year program, high school students are exposed to topics like aviation weather, aircraft systems, aviation history and careers, aviation law, drone operations, aerodynamics, air traffic control, airport planning and management, airline operations and management and much more.
Thurston County’s Olympia Regional Airport is already home to three flight schools—SpanaFlight, Safety in Motion Flight Center, and Glacier Aviation—which reinforces the strength of the local aviation ecosystem. The airport is well‑positioned to support a high school aviation program, given its direct connections to these flight schools and the natural pathways they provide for students.
Training Tomorrow’s Aviation Industry Today at New Market Skills Center
New Market’s Executive Director Matt Ishler says that while they have other programs in transportation and logistics like Diesel and Maritime Technology, Auto Service Technician and Collision Repair Technology, this is their first foray into aviation.
“The aviation industry, like many industries, faces an intensifying shortage of workers,” says Ishler, “including pilots and other aviation-related careers such as maintenance technicians and avionics professionals. This program will prepare students for the private pilot ground school exam, but also introduce them to a variety of career pathways in the aviation sector. Units include private pilot ground school, aviation weather, aircraft systems, aviation history and careers, aviation law, uncrewed ariel systems/drone operations, aviation human factors and safety, aerodynamics, air traffic control, airport planning, airline operations and management, and airline dispatch and operations.”
The first cohort of students begins on September 2, 2026, at the Olympia Regional Airport. It is open to incoming high school juniors and seniors. More than just a high school program though, students who earn a B grade or better on course completion will also earn 30 credits each year towards a bachelor’s degree in aviation with Green River College. Students also prepare for both the private pilot ground school written exam and the FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate.
Community and Civic Partnerships Work Together for Aviation Program’s Success
Ishler thanks their first aviation instructor Dana Tschirley as well as the Port of Olympia’s ongoing support.
“In July of 2025 the Port of Olympia reached out to me at New Market Skills Center to inquire about the potential for a program,” recalls Ishler. “Our biggest barrier at the time was lack of classroom or lab space and we quickly identified that the airport may have a suitable location at the airport itself, which would also improve the learning experience for the students in several meaningful ways. After additional research on associated start-up costs and student interest, the NMSC Administrative Council approved the addition of Aviation Careers Academy and planning began in earnest to bring the vision to fruition. Our partnership with The Museum of Flight helped provide a developed curriculum and ongoing guidance as we prepare for launch of the program.”
Thriving Port of Olympia Partnerships Benefit the Economies of Air, Land and Sea
Alex Smith, Port of Olympia executive director, is also thrilled about this new opportunity. “The Port is excited to partner with the New Market Skills Center to support the ability of young people in our region to learn about the aviation industry and grow into jobs in that sector,” she says. “We are happy to support the aviation community and the growth of our local network of aviation-related businesses in and around the Olympia Regional Airport.”
The Port’s Community and Economic Development Director Mike Reid echoes Smith’s excitement. “We would love to see a continued and growing partnership with New Market Skills Center and other vocational training programs. This partnership expands the Port’s role in countywide economic development by supporting direct workforce training aligned with Vision 2050, particularly the goals of partnering with K‑12 education and maximizing the community value of the Olympia Regional Airport. By hosting the aviation program at the airport terminal, the Port is able to activate an unused facility, strengthen community connections, and help develop the future workforce needed for aviation, aerospace, airport operations and related STEM industries.”
Families can find out more about the program’s high school equivalency and CTE credits as well as industry recognized credentials and future career pathways through the Aviation Careers Academy homepage. The session’s syllabus will also be posted to the site as it’s finalized.
Students can enroll online and questions can be sent to nmsc.info@tumwater.k12.wa.us or call 360.570.4500. Then get ready to earn those wings and find a career that’s sure to take flight.
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