OCALA, FL (352today.com) – A crisp fall morning brought community leaders, educators, and members of the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership together to celebrate the ribbon cutting for Marion Technical College’s new Diesel and Aviation Mechanics Facility, a major milestone for workforce development in Marion County.
“This building started out as a big rectangle, and people were like, ‘you’re going to build a metal building that’s going to be ugly,’” recalled MTC Principal Gary Smallridge, drawing laughter from the crowd. “The most important part is that we got support from all our legislature. Back then it was Senator [Keith] Perry and Representative [Stan] McClain, and they really supported us. We heard a lot from the community about how badly they wanted diesel mechanics training. Aviation mechanics is also a big need in the state, with nearly 1,500 jobs opening each year.”
Smallridge shared how MTC’s vision gained momentum through collaboration. “We got support from the school board, we started the process, and that summer right before graduation, we found out we’d been approved. We were extremely excited. Then the real work began, planning, designing, and making sure the building would be both functional and beautiful.”
Marion County Public Schools Interim Superintendent Dr. Danielle Brewer applauded the teamwork behind the project. “Mr. Smallridge has done an amazing job. This is his fourth year at MTC, and what he has accomplished in that short time is remarkable,” she said. Brewer also highlighted how the facility will serve both traditional and dual-enrolled students. “This will help our high school students participate in these programs as well. That’s a huge opportunity Marion County hasn’t had before.”
School Board Chair Laurie Conrad emphasized the importance of the project’s funding. “I’m really excited to celebrate this great accomplishment as the first appropriation for Marion County Public Schools, five and a half million dollars. It’s not just about the program; it’s about the students it will impact and how it keeps young people right here in Marion County.”
Former board chair and current president-elect of the Florida School Boards Association, Dr. Allison Campbell reflected on how the school system’s first-ever legislative appropriation request was met with success. “To have it approved on our first attempt was amazing,” she said. “That success came from strong advocacy across the community, from the CEP to our county commissioners, and it shows what’s possible when we work together.”
Among the first students accepted into the new diesel mechanics program was David, who shared his excitement for the opportunity. “I was really interested in mechanics, and I started looking around at places I could maybe get hired. I realized I needed some training because everything requires that now. I found Marion Technical and originally looked at auto mechanics, but the classes were full. When I heard about the new diesel program, I jumped in as quick as I could,” he said. “The timing was perfect.”
As the ribbon dropped and guests toured the new facility, the excitement was unmistakable. The Diesel and Aviation Mechanics Facility represents more than a new building. It stands as a symbol of opportunity, progress, and partnership between Marion Technical College, the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership, and the many community leaders who continue to invest in the region’s workforce and future.