NORMAN, Okla. — Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) celebrated the opening of its aviation maintenance technology training program with a ribbon cutting event at its Franklin Road campus in Norman, Oklahoma. The innovative training program provides students with a direct path to a career in aviation and aerospace, Oklahoma’s second largest and fastest growing industry.

“As Moore Norman Technology Center celebrates its 50th anniversary, I am proud to serve as superintendent of a district that has always led the way in career and technical education,” Brian Ruttman, MNTC superintendent and CEO said. “Moore Norman Technology Center's aviation maintenance technology program speaks to the limitless future of the district. May we continue to clear the runway for students to fill the ever-changing workforce needs of our community, state, and country.”

Together with industry partners and state and local leaders, MNTC developed the training program in response to the region’s growing demand for workers who are FAA-certified in airframe & powerplant (A&P) mechanics. These highly trained professionals ensure that U.S.-registered aircraft operate safely and efficiently.

Students participating in MNTC's aviation maintenance technology program learn how to conduct pre-flight inspections, perform routine aircraft maintenance and diagnose, and repair airframe and powerplant (engine) components. Upon successful completion of the 18-month, hands-on training program, students will be prepared for FAA certification in A&P mechanics, a career that offers annual salaries beginning at $60,000.

Oklahoma Senator Paul Rosino, who spoke at the ribbon cutting, noted that the aerospace and aviation industry contributes approximately $44 billion to Oklahoma’s economy every year. The state’s fastest growing industry also has a significant impact in Cleveland County, which is home to more than 28 aerospace and aviation-related companies, including 19 in Norman.

“We have national companies that are coming to Oklahoma and Cleveland County asking for students,” Cleveland County Commissioner Rod Cleveland said. “There's a pipeline directly to a job as soon as you graduate.”

Cleveland serves on the board of county commissioners who directed $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding to the MNTC aviation maintenance technology training program earlier this year. When determining where to allocate the ARPA funding, Cleveland said that county commissioners wanted to include projects that provide critical support for residents, while improving infrastructure and mitigating the negative economic impacts of the pandemic.

“We wanted to put this money to the best use that we can and leverage it into the future,” Cleveland said.

The $1 million in ARPA funding allocated by Cleveland County Commissioners helped fund MNTC’s newly renovated training center, which includes classrooms, training labs, top-of-the-line equipment, aircraft components, a hangar, and a tarmac.

The MNTC aviation maintenance technology program is currently open to adult students, with plans to expand to high school students in 2024. Students interested in the learning more about the training program can visit mntc.edu or contact an MNTC career advisor at 405-801-5000.

About Moore Norman Technology Center

Established in 1972, Moore Norman Technology Center is viewed as one of the nation's premiere career and technical educational institutions within Oklahoma's globally recognized Career Tech system. Serving the Cleveland County communities of Moore, Norman, and South Oklahoma City, MNTC provides high school and adult students with an innovative technical career education. MNTC also offers customized workforce training to area companies allowing them to shore up their teams and achieve their business goals.