by Brian Ruttman, MNTC superintendent and CEO

For 50 years, Moore Norman Technology Center (MNTC) has been at the forefront of innovative career and technical training, strengthening Oklahoma's workforce and fostering economic development in Cleveland County. As we recognize industry trends and evolving workforce needs, we continually adapt or create new training programs to produce a pipeline of highly skilled workers who are ready to fill high wage, in-demand jobs. Our most recent example is the Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) program that launched in August 2023.

 A Sky-High Opportunity

Working together with partners in Oklahoma’s second largest and fastest growing industry — aviation and aerospace — we identified a growing demand for workers who are FAA-certified in airframe & powerplant (A&P) mechanics. These are the men and women who ensure that U.S.-registered aircraft continue to operate safely and efficiently.

MNTC's AMT program offers students a direct path to a career in aviation mechanics through an 18-month, hands-on training program. Students learn how to conduct pre-flight inspections, perform routine aircraft maintenance, and diagnose and repair airframe and powerplant (engine) components. 

Located at the MNTC Aerospace Training Center on our Franklin Road campus in Norman, the AMT program provides an immersive environment for students. With $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) federal funding allocated by Cleveland County Commissioners, the newly renovated training center includes classrooms, training labs, top-of-the-line equipment, aircraft components, a hangar and a tarmac.

Certification and Career Prospects

Upon successful completion of our FAA-approved, 18-month program, students will be ready for FAA certification in Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanics. These highly trained and federally certified workers can look forward to well-paid career opportunities, with the potential to earn an annual starting salary of $60,000. With aviation and aerospace being Oklahoma's second largest and fastest-growing industry, the demand for skilled professionals is increasing, supporting more than 240,000 jobs in the state, with an additional 10,000 expected over the next five years.

Expanding Horizons

Starting initially with an adult cohort, our AMT program is set to expand its reach to high school students, partnering with the Oklahoma Aviation Academy (OAA). This collaborative effort among MNTC, Norman Public Schools, the University of Oklahoma and industry partners propels students into a STEAM-focused curriculum with a prominent aviation and aerospace emphasis. OAA students will be eligible to begin the AMT program their junior year, presenting an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between education and industry preparedness.

This opportunity will also be available to students in Moore Public Schools where high schoolers are currently able to enroll in Aviation 1 and Aerospace 1. As MPS grows its Aviation and Aircraft offerings, MNTC will be available to high school juniors interested in pursuing their A&P certification.   

Local Impact

Beyond meeting industry needs of commercial, military, and private aerospace companies in the region, MNTC’s AMT program will directly impact Cleveland County. More than 28 aerospace and aviation-related companies operate in Cleveland County. In addition, Cleveland County residents comprise 25% of the workforce at Tinker Air Force Base, which is Oklahoma’s largest single-site employer providing 26,000 jobs. With access to one of the state's premier training centers, residents of Cleveland County are strategically positioned to bolster this burgeoning industry.

To learn more about the MNTC Aviation Maintenance Technician program and take the first step toward a dynamic career in aviation maintenance, visit the AMT section of our website or watch this video about our program.