New Aviation Tech School Boosts Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

0:00It's April 16th. I'm Cory with the story, and this is Tampa Bay News today. Your AI-powered local news. Sarasota Braidance and International Airport is booming with more passengers and aviation businesses, sparking a big need for airplane mechanics and techs. Manatee Technical College is stepping up with a new aviation maintenance technician school, set to finish construction by September and kickoff. Classes in January. The program got $5.5 million in state funding back in 2022, aimed straight at the school district of Manatee County. Students jump right into hands-on training right there on airport grounds, building skills for real-world fixes. Airport Operations Boss Lionel Gilbert says the growth on both commercial and general aviation sides has the man through the roof for these pros. MTC Director Jody Kirk adds his crucial, as heavy hitters like Pilates roll in with assembly lines needing train crews pronto. The school slots 50 students across airframe work on plane bodies and power plant focus

1:01on engines, paving direct paths to lifelong gigs. Nationally, it's tackling thousands of open spots in aviation maintenance. This pipeline means local grads launch careers fast, fueling community growth with no ceiling