The Aviation and Technical Training Center boasts contemporary facilities, including specialized laboratories for powerplant, avionics, welding, and composite engineering, all designed to provide hands-on training with the latest technology. With an emphasis on collaborative learning and versatile educational spaces, the center prepares students for successful careers in the aviation industry.
- Client: Currituck County + College of The Albemarle
- Location: Barco, NC
- Size: 39,930 SF
- Delivery Method: Design-Build
Elevating Workforce Development
The new Regional Aviation + Technical Training Center is custom-built to create an advanced, industry-aligned learning environment where students gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in today’s aviation and technical fields. Designed for hands-on education with high-tech tools and spaces, the facility positions Currituck County and College of The Albemarle as leaders in regional workforce development.
Specialized Learning Spaces
- Powerplant and Avionics Laboratories
Dedicated powerplant and avionics labs immerse students in real-world systems and the latest technology, offering intensive, hands-on training that mirrors professional aviation maintenance and repair settings. - Welding and Sheet Metal Lab
A focused welding and sheet metal lab builds essential fabrication skills, giving students practical experience with the techniques and equipment they’ll rely on throughout their careers. - Flexible Systems Lab
The flex systems lab provides a versatile platform for integrating multiple technical disciplines, encouraging interdisciplinary problem-solving, innovation, and adaptability—core attributes for modern aviation and technical professionals.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Spanning approximately 36,150 SF, the main training center is supported by a separate 4,000 SF storage building for tools, materials, and equipment. A planned 150 SF standalone paint booth will further elevate the learning environment, enabling students to gain valuable experience with coatings and finishing processes commonly used in the aviation industry.
Enrichment Through Composite Labs
Multiple composite labs give students direct exposure to advanced materials and fabrication methods that are central to modern aircraft design. Here, learners experiment with composite layups, repairs, and testing—translating classroom concepts into applied skills.
Collaborative Learning Environments
A mix of general classrooms and active learning classrooms supports a range of teaching styles, from lecture-based instruction to team-based, project-driven work. These flexible spaces are intentionally designed to promote interaction between students and instructors, foster collaboration, and create a dynamic educational atmosphere that reflects the pace and complexity of the aviation industry.
By pairing specialized technical labs with adaptable instructional spaces, the Regional Aviation + Technical Training Center delivers a comprehensive, future-ready training experience—equipping graduates with the practical skills, versatility, and industry exposure needed to thrive in aviation and beyond.
