Ocala needs auto techs, diesel system techs, mechanics. This new school building will help
A ceremonial groundbreaking was held Friday at the Marion Technical College (MTC) campus for a $5.57 million automotive, diesel and aviation technician training facility expected to be in operation before September 2025.
“(This is) all about hands-on training,” said MTC Principal Gary Smallridge.
The new building will located on the southeast section of the campus at 1014 SW Seventh Road.
Once the 16,000-square-foot building is finished, "up to 100 dual-enrolled high school and adult students can become automotive general service technicians, automotive collision refinishing technicians, aviation powerplant/airframe mechanics, and diesel systems technicians," Marion County Public Schools said in a news release. "With Marion County quickly advancing its reputation as a logistics and distribution hub and home to the Ocala International Airport, MTC’s expansion programs will help meet the expanding demand for these careers and keep graduates local to the Ocala/Marion County community."
The new facility will include “three classrooms, multiple work bays, storage, office area and restrooms. Funds will also provide startup technology, tools, equipment, and furniture for the facility,“ another MCPS media release states.
Smallridge stated in an email that programs run one to two years and graduates earn certificates and “industry certifications in specialty areas.”
Smallridge said the new facility was phase one of developments at the school.
“We’re very excited,” said MTC Assistant Principal Kim Burt.
Officials anticipate a working partnership between the new facility and local emergency vehicle manufacturer, E-ONE.
A June 29 Marion County Public Schools press release stated MTC, part of the MCPS system, received a $5.57 million appropriation from the Florida Legislature after the funding was proposed by MCPS Superintendent Diane Gullett to state House of Representatives sponsor Rep. Stan McClain and Florida State Senate sponsor Sen. Keith Perry.
Perry said at the groundbreaking that the facility was “much needed” and provides technicians to maintain equipment essential to the community.
Perry gave an example of a technician who might earn $80,000 or up annually and be “assured of a job” after training at MTC.
Perry, Marion County School Board Chair Allison Campbell and other board members, Ocala City Council President Jim Hilty Sr., Ocala Mayor Kent Guinn and representatives of the Ocala Metro Chamber & Economic Partnership (CEP) including Senior Director of Partner Engagement Jess Schultz, were acknowledged at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Richard Banner, general manager of Williams Diesel Service in northwest Ocala, was also excited to hear about a planned local training center for diesel technicians.
Williams Diesel Service, in the area for over 30 years, services diesel vehicles from “smart cars to F-450 diesel and beyond,” according to the company’s website, ocaladiesel.com. The local shop is one of 50 authorized Bosch Diesel Centers.
Banner said in a phone interview that having a pool of trained, certified technicians available locally is “absolutely” needed and a big plus.
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Rickey Monroe, instructor with the MTC Commercial Driver’s License program (Commercial Vehicle Driving) said the program’s fleet of seven semitractor-trailers will be maintained at the new facility.
MTC, part of the Marion County Public School system, was ranked No. 3 “best community college” in Florida by Niche.com. It offers programs in architecture and construction, business management and administration, hospitality and tourism, health science, human services, information technology, manufacturing, public safety and transportation.
MTC boasts an 87% graduation rate and 80% job placement rate currently.
This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Marion Technical College set to expand with new tech training building
