Florida Invests $8M to Boost Aviation Maintenance Training and MRO Capacity Amid Workforce Shortages
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Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has awarded more than $8 million to expand aviation maintenance capacity and advanced technical training programmes, as the state continues to respond to persistent workforce shortages in aerospace and defence.
The latest round of Job Growth Grant Fund allocations directs nearly $5 million to Palm Beach State College, which is preparing to launch an accelerated programme in quantum technology and cybersecurity. The college plans to run the training in eight‑week blocks aimed at fast entry into the workforce and expects close to 1,000 enrolments over the next decade.
Melbourne Orlando International Airport will receive $2.5 million to enlarge its maintenance apron, which has reached capacity as demand for MRO services has increased. The airport handles both military and commercial aircraft and supports nearby Northrop Grumman operations as well as space launch activity. Officials expect the expansion to generate around 500 new jobs, with average salaries between $75,000 and $85,000.
Broward College has been awarded just over $900,000 to grow its AvMaX aviation mechanics programme. The course compresses three technical certifications and 60 college credits into a single year, and students can complete an associate degree with 23 additional credits. The college reports that all students who entered the programme remained through the full year, an uncommon retention rate in the sector.
Florida’s commerce secretary, J. Alex Kelly, framed the investments as fundamental to national security, citing the need to strengthen pipelines for aviation maintenance, secure communications and data‑driven defence roles. The awards are among the final allocations of the current fiscal year.
WATS 2026 in Orlando will address maintenance training pipeline challenges through its dedicated Maintenance Training Conference, examining CBTA implementation, instructor calibration, and VR applications for technical skills development.
