OCALA, FL (352today.com) – Even though it was a gloomy afternoon in north-central Florida, county and state officials gathered at Marion Technical College (MTC) on Friday, Sept. 8, to celebrate the school’s bright future. The first phase? A brand-new $5.57 million building to house MTC’s automotive, diesel and aviation mechanic programs.
The 16,000-square-foot building and its adjacent 15,000-square-foot parking lot will make space for up to 100 dual-enrolled high schoolers and adult students to study in rising mechanical fields. The school hopes to offer all kinds of mechanical training, from fire truck spray-painting to airplane engine mechanics.
The facility is set to open in September 2025, but MTC Principal Gary Smallridge said it will likely be completed even sooner than expected, and the school even has some instructors already lined up.
“This is phase one of multiple phases that we’d like to do over the next five or six years,” said Smallridge. “We’re going to get this one going very quickly. It’s going to be, probably, faster than the plan that was published.”
For the first time in recorded history, the 2023 Florida Legislature contributed funding to the Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) project. Florida Sen. Keith Perry and Rep. Stan McClain sponsored the appropriation.
“It’s been decades – if ever – since Marion County Public Schools has even asked for an appropriation out of the legislature,” said MCPS Schoolboard District 1 Chair Allison Campbell at the groundbreaking today.
The school hopes the expansion will contribute to Marion County’s workforce in these ever-expanding and vital fields. Perry, who started a roofing company straight out of high school, claimed graduating mechanics will be guaranteed jobs because they’re a societal necessity.
“[Blue-collar workers] don’t get a lot of recognition, but we’re the ones who make life possible,” said Perry. “You can do without some apps on your phone… but you can’t do stuff without turning a switch on and the electricity coming on or turning a spigot on and the water coming out or driving your car.”
Jess Schultz, Senior Director of Partner Engagement with the Ocala Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP), agreed.
“Our businesses use the word ‘excited?’ They’re relieved,” said Schultz. “[They’re] relieved that a pipeline is being put in place that can help them.”
She went on to emphasize the importance of local mechanic programs keeping vital workers local.
“It’s about the community: putting community first,” she said.
Despite lightning striking near the site of the future facility during set-up, according to Smallridge, the clouds parted just in time for the groundbreaking ceremony. All the contributing local officials in attendance grabbed a shovel and tossed dirt into the air on the count of, “Three, two, one – success!”