VIENNA TOWNSHIP, Ohio — Without pilots and truck drivers, the U.S. economy can’t function — and without funding for training, those careers have traditionally been out of reach for many.
Youngstown State University, in partnership with the Western Reserve Port Authority and the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport, has launched two hands-on training programs designed to fill workforce gaps in aviation and commercial trucking.
“This is an exciting day,” YSU President Bill Johnson said during a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday at the airport. “This marks an expansion of our workforce development programs. You know the aviation industry and the commercial trucking industry … those are two of the hardest-hit industries in the United States for workforce. It takes money and it takes effort to get certified in aviation or in commercial trucking.”
Johnson said YSU’s low tuition, combined with available scholarships, will make these careers more accessible — especially for students who previously lacked the financial means. Through the associate degree in applied science in aviation, students will earn college credit while obtaining both basic pilot and instrument certifications.
Eventually, YSU plans to offer commercial pilot certification as well.
The FAA-aligned curriculum provides students with hands-on, in-air training at what Johnson called a “gem of an airport” with strong air traffic control.
Johnson earned his own basic private pilot license at the local airport 15 years ago. His 21-year-old son is currently enrolled in the flight program.
John Bocceri, a flight instructor at the school, received his training through the military. For civilians, however, commercial pilot training can cost between $150,000 and $200,000. Those who complete the program can pursue careers with high salaries and strong benefits.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots is $226,600. The average hourly wage for truck drivers exceeds $25.
The CDL program is designed to get drivers road-ready quickly. Students can earn a Class A CDL in four weeks or a Class B CDL in two. Both programs combine classroom instruction with behind-the-wheel training, using trucks donated by PI&I Motor Express. A tanker trailer is also being donated by Lyden Oil.
Johnson said both the aviation and CDL programs offer flexible scheduling, including night and weekend classes.
As of April 2025, there is a 4% annual increase in the demand for truck drivers, a trend expected to continue through 2030 — creating a projected need for 90,000 commercial driving jobs, according to Brian Beckett, director of the CDL program.
“Trucking is what moves America,” Beckett said. “It is what moves freight — everything from the milk you drink to the fuel you put in your cars. It’s all through the commercial industry, and it takes people to jump behind that wheel and get that freight and those goods there.”
Beckett, who has worked in the commercial driving industry for nearly 20 years, said the career has taken him to 42 states. He’s now passionate about training students to drive safely on rural roads, highways and city streets. The program will also offer a hazmat endorsement upgrade for those who already have a CDL.
“It’s a great career, it’s a great industry and it’s a thriving industry,” Beckett said, adding that high demand leads to higher pay.
Michael Hillman, owner and president of Jets FBO, is one of the instructors for the aviation program. He said the private pilot degree program will open many doors for local students and give them the opportunity to fly during their first semester.
Anthony Trevena, executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority, said the flight school currently has five planes in its fleet, with expansion already in the works. Though the programs are currently housed in a small building and hangar, they will soon move to a new facility thanks to $5.5 million in funding from state, regional and local sources, including Lake to River and the county commissioners. The new facility, designed by Strollo Architects, will triple the current space for the flight program and Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics classes.
Joe Kerola, president and CEO of PI&I Motor Express and a member of the program’s advisory board, said truck driving is a portable career, but demand for drivers — and pilots — is especially high in the Mahoning Valley.
The aviation program already has 22 students enrolled. YSU took over the workforce training programs initially launched by Eastern Gateway Community College, which has since closed.
Pictured at top: YSU President Bill Johnson, a pilot himself, arrived for the ribbon cutting ceremony by airplane along with Eric Milliron, one of the flight instructors.