DEW is thrilled to announce the official opening of the Burlington School District’s new Aviation, Career, and Technical Education Center at the Burlington International Airport in South Burlington, Vermont! On October 29, DEW joined students, educators, and community partners to celebrate the grand opening of this innovative learning hub.
Partially funded by a $10 million federal grant championed by former U.S. Senator Patrick Leahy, the project transformed a long-neglected airplane hangar into a vibrant, state-of-the-art educational facility. This collaborative effort brought together the Burlington School District, DEW Construction, Freeman French Freeman Architects, and hundreds of skilled tradespeople.
Designed to support a wide range of technical and vocational programs, the center provides students with hands-on training and real-world skills for careers in aviation, manufacturing, automotive technology, and more.
“It’s been incredibly rewarding to help bring this center to life,” said Sara Bosworth, Senior Project Manager at DEW. “Being part of a project that creates real opportunities, strengthens Vermont’s workforce, and invests in the long-term vitality of our communities is deeply meaningful. I’m excited to see the lasting impact this center will have on students and the region for generations to come.”
Originally built in 1984, the 33,000-square-foot structure was once a large open hangar with a small mezzanine and utility rooms. Today, it features:
- Dedicated classrooms for aviation theory
- Advanced flight simulators for immersive training
- Fully equipped workshops for aviation maintenance and repair
- Spaces for cutting-edge manufacturing instruction
- A woodworking shop and automotive repair bays
This dynamic environment empowers students to explore high-demand career paths and gain the skills needed to thrive in today’s workforce.
Check out the highlights from the grand opening, including some before-and-after photos in the video below!
