Charlotte Technical College Launches Construction of New Aviation Training Facility
December 12th, 2024
Punta Gorda, FL – December 12, 2024 – Charlotte Technical College (CTC) marked a significant milestone on December 11 with the groundbreaking of its cutting-edge Aviation Training Facility. In collaboration with the Charlotte County Airport Authority, Stellar Development, Inc., and local partners, this new development aims to strengthen the aviation workforce in Charlotte County and beyond.
Located near the PGD Air Center within the PGD Aviation Expansion Area (PGD AviEx), the facility will offer advanced training in Aviation Maintenance Technology. Students will be equipped with the skills needed to pursue certifications as Aviation Maintenance General Technicians and Aviation Power Plant Maintenance Technicians. The 19,420-square-foot building will include a 10,000-square-foot hangar, classrooms, laboratories, and state-of-the-art resources, funded in part by $5.75 million secured through legislative support from 2022 to 2024.
“This project reflects the power of collaboration and a shared commitment to education and workforce development,” said Cindy Gulsby, Director of Charlotte Technical College. “By partnering with the Airport Authority, Charlotte County Public Schools, and local businesses, we’re providing students with access to industry-standard training and tools.”
CTC’s aviation program, established in 2018 with a $1.7 million grant from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, has grown significantly thanks to partnerships with the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners, the School Board, and the Airport Authority. Charlotte County School Board member Kim Amontree noted, “What started as a small program has evolved into a cornerstone for workforce development, drawing high-skill, high-wage opportunities to the area.”
James Parish, CEO of Punta Gorda Airport, underscored the program’s regional impact: “This initiative strengthens our workforce and establishes PGD as a premier aviation hub, attracting airlines, maintenance organizations, and related industries.”
Under the guidance of Charlotte County Public Schools Superintendent Mark Vianello, the program’s reach now extends to middle and high schools, creating a pathway for students to pursue aviation careers. “This is about more than just a facility; it’s about transforming futures and preparing the next generation for a dynamic industry,” Vianello emphasized.
Key state officials, including Senator Ben Albritton, Representative Michael Grant, and Representative Spencer Roach, were instrumental in securing the project’s success, highlighting their commitment to advancing education and economic growth in Southwest Florida.
Stellar Development, Inc., the construction partner, anticipates completing the facility by December 2025, ushering in a new chapter for aviation education in the region.
For more information about the Charlotte Technical College Aviation Program, visit propellingfuturesatctc.com or yourcharlotteschool.net/ctc.
