Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Workforce Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Withlacoochee Technical College seeks county support for FAA‑certified aircraft technician program
Summary
WTC director Colleen Strickland asked the Board for partnership and grant pursuit to launch an FAA‑certified airframe and powerplant mechanic program; she said with an existing hangar the program could begin in 18–24 months and estimated renovation costs at about $750,000.
Colleen Strickland, director of Withlacoochee Technical College, told the Citrus County Board on Feb. 26 that her institution wants to establish an FAA‑certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics program at Inverness Airport to meet local and regional workforce demand.
Strickland said WTC already offers 19 workforce programs, serves more than 800 students a year, and has completion and placement rates above 90 percent. She asked the commission for partnership in pursuing legislative funding and workforce grants, and for help in identifying short‑term instructional space—ideally an existing hangar—so classes could begin in 18–24 months; building a new hangar and lining up all grants would push a start date closer to 2029. "If an existing hangar becomes available for temporary instructional use, we could begin offering AMP coursework much sooner," she told the board.
Strickland said renovation estimates for a full 'center of excellence' were about $750,000 based on 2023 preliminary figures, and that many programs are at capacity with waiting lists. Commissioners praised the proposal and asked staff to explore grant opportunities and short‑term facility options to accelerate launch. Commissioner comments emphasized local economic development potential, apprenticeship linkages and the need to recruit qualified instructors and consider compensation strategies.
The board did not take an immediate vote on funding but directed staff to continue coordinating with WTC on grant applications and facility options. Commissioners also noted that an AMP program would expand career pathways for residents and support aviation‑related economic development around Inverness Airport.
