Punta Gorda, FL – Charlotte Technical College (CTC), in partnership with the Charlotte County Airport Authority, Stellar Development, Inc., and key community stakeholders, celebrated a monumental milestone with the groundbreaking of its highly anticipated Aviation Training Facility on December 11. This state-of-the-art facility is a pivotal step in bolstering aviation workforce development in Charlotte County and beyond.
Situated near the PGD Air Center within the Aviation Expansion Area (PGD AviEx), the facility will provide comprehensive hands-on training in Aviation Maintenance Technology, preparing students for careers as certified Aviation Maintenance General Technicians and Aviation Power Plant Maintenance Technicians. The 19,420-square-foot building will feature a 10,000-square-foot hangar, classrooms, labs, and modern amenities, supported by $5.75 million in state funding secured during the 2022-2024 legislative sessions.
“This facility is a testament to the power of partnerships and shared vision,” said Cindy Gulsby, Director of Charlotte Technical College. “By working with the Airport Authority, Charlotte County Public Schools, and local businesses, we’re creating unique opportunities for students to gain expertise with industry-standard equipment and instruction.”
The aviation program was first launched in 2018 through a $1.7 million grant from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. Its success has been a collaborative effort between the Charlotte County Board of County Commissioners, the Airport Authority, and the School Board. “What began as a limited capacity facility, has grown into a long-term commitment to aviation workforce development, attracting high-skill, high-wage jobs to Charlotte County,” said Kim Amontree, a member of the Charlotte County School Board.
James Parish, CEO of the Punta Gorda Airport, highlighted the program’s transformative potential: “This initiative not only enhances our regional workforce but positions PGD as a hub for aviation excellence, attracting airlines, MROs, and other related industries.”
Under the leadership of Mark Vianello, Superintendent of Charlotte County Public Schools, the program’s reach has expanded to include middle and high school feeder programs, creating a pipeline for students to enter post-graduate pathways in aviation. Vianello emphasized, “It’s about more than state-of-the-art spaces; it’s about changing lives and preparing students for a future in a rapidly evolving industry.”
Recognizing the critical support from Senator Ben Albritton, Representative Michael Grant, and Representative Spencer Roach, the success of this project is a testament to their dedication to education and workforce development in Southwest Florida.
Construction partner Stellar Development, Inc. has projected completing the project by December 2025, ushering in a new era of technical education and workforce development in Southwest Florida.
For more information about the CTC Aviation Program, visit propellingfuturesatctc.com or yourcharlotteschool.net/ctc.