Construction to begin for new Aviation, Automotive/Diesel Mechanics building at MTC

A rendering of the future Aviation and Auto/Diesel Mechanic program building at Marion Technical College [Courtesy of MCPS].

Construction is ready to begin at Marion Technical College for its state-of-the-art Aviation and Diesel Mechanic Program building, with an estimated completion in the fall 2025.

For the first time, the Florida Legislature approved a special appropriation of $5.57 million for Marion County last July to construct a building to house the aviation and auto mechanic program to boost trade-centered education.

With the new 15,000–square-foot center, students will have the opportunity to study automotive general service, automotive collision refinishing, aviation powerplant and airframe mechanics, and diesel systems. The new facility will be on the grounds of the existing campus but stand as a separate building across the parking lot at 1014 SW 7th Road in Ocala.

“The state needs aviation mechanics, and we definitely need diesel mechanics in this area. So, this was a no-brainer,” MTC Principal Gary Smallridge said.

The Marion County School Board approved the project at its June 25 meeting, with an estimated cost of nearly $4 million for the first phase of the project.

The project will be done in two phases with this first phase consisting of the construction of the metal buildings and complete infrastructure and build-out for the aviation program. The diesel and auto mechanic building interior build-out will come as a second phase, according to the school district.

“We’ve been waiting for this night for a long time at MTC. We’re here to seek approval to move forward with the actual construction and real groundbreaking on the building that we’ve been talking about for over a year and a half,” Smallridge said at the meeting.

The appropriation from the Legislature was the first of its kind and involved a number of school district staff working in Tallahassee to meet with legislators. The plan was proposed to Rep. Stan McClain and Sen. Keith Perry to sponsor the allocation for the new facility.

“This is the first appropriation request that Marion County has received from the state Legislature, so it is special, and it is a big deal,” Smallridge said.

The facility will serve about 100 students each year. It will house three classrooms, storage areas, work bays and restrooms. Any leftover money from the allocation will help with the facility’s startup costs, including equipment, technology, furniture and tools.

“I’m just ecstatic, it’s time,” said School Board Member Allison Campbell. “We’ve been waiting.”

The work will be managed and performed by Tallen Builders LLC. The school district contracts with Tallen Builders annually as its construction manager.

“It was so great to receive the appropriation, and now let’s actually see the shovels in the ground and really make the building come to life,” Campbell said. “It’s going to be a wonderful opportunity for our community and for future students who will be there and future employees who will be employed all throughout this community and beyond the state.”