Description

Marion Technical College (MTC), part of Marion County Public Schools, will launch its new diesel and aviation mechanics programs on Thursday, Oct. 30, with a ribbon-cutting event set for 9:30 a.m. Construction is finished on a new $5.57 million facility that broke ground back in September 2023 and is located on the MTC campus at 1014 SW 7th Rd. in Ocala. Funding came from a special allocation earmarked during the 2023 Florida Legislative session. The new facility sits on the southeast corner of campus and features 16,000 square feet of classroom and work space for both programs. At capacity, the programs will train up to 100 dual-enrolled high school and adult students to become aviation powerplant/airframe mechanics and diesel systems technicians. Students will train on specialized simulators and genuine life-size aircraft including a passenger jet and helicopter. Marion County is quickly advancing its reputation as a logistics and distribution hub and home to the Ocala International Airport. This expansion will help meet the demand for these careers, keeping graduates local to the Ocala/Marion County community.