$5.5M Designated For Aviation Maintenance Technical School At Sarasota-Bradenton Airport

SARASOTA-BRADENTON, FL — An aviation maintenance technical school will become a reality at Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) thanks to $5.5 million in state funding earmarked for the project.

The funding is part of Florida’s 2022 budget that was recently signed into law by Gov. Ron DeSantis, according to a news release from the School District of Manatee County, which is building the new school at SRQ.

Once the school opens, Manatee Technical College will partner with Sarasota’s Suncoast Technical College to provide career certificate workforce training in aviation airframe mechanic and aviation powerplant mechanic, the school district said.

The University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee will also be involved, preparing students for licenses in aviation maintenance and employment and advanced training in the aviation industry.

“I want to thank the legislature and Gov. DeSantis for having the vision and foresight to fund this innovative venture that will benefit not only Manatee and Sarasota counties, but the entire state,” Superintendent Cynthia Saunders said. “I want to say a special thanks to Rep. Fiona McFarland and Senator Joe Gruters for their sponsorship of this initiative.”

According to the news release, the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corporation reports that there are nearly 1,500 annual job openings for aircraft mechanics and service technicians statewide, and industry reports say more aviation mechanics are retiring than are entering the field nationwide.

There are also more than 50 employers in the aviation and aerospace industry operating in Manatee and Sarasota counties, Bradenton Area EDC added. The aviation sector accounts for 16 percent of Manatee County’s workforce.

“The aviation maintenance training program at SRQ will be a valuable strategic asset for economic development in the Bradenton area and our region,” Sharon Hillstrom, president and CEO of the Bradenton Area EDC, said. “Companies want to locate in forward-thinking communities that understand the value of collaboration and that support education, workforce development and business expansion.”

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, billed as the fastest growing airport in the country, is excited to welcome the new school, Rick Piccolo, the airport’s president and CEO, added.

“This school will create worldwide opportunity for students in our entire region in a growing industry,” he said. “It enhances the opportunity to attract major aircraft maintenance firms to the airport which would create high paying jobs locally.”