WKCTC gratefully acknowledges PACRO grant for New Aviation Maintenance Technology program

Please Note: Please use this release. Thank you.

Paducah, KY (02/10/2024) — West Kentucky Community and Technical College (WKCTC) received a generous $50,000 grant from the Paducah Area Community Reuse Organization (PACRO) to support the establishment of the college's innovative Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) program.

The grant, officially awarded on January 8, 2024, will be instrumental in acquiring aviation-specific student training aids: two 12-volt electrical trainers, a propeller cutaway, and a carburetor cutaway. A ceremonial check presentation was held on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the college's AMT facility, attended by PACRO Board Chair Eddie Jones and PACRO Executive Director Greg Wiles.

Expressing gratitude for the support, WKCTC President Anton Reece remarked, "This PACRO grant, a testament to our shared commitment to advancing education and workforce development, will play a pivotal role in establishing our new Aviation Maintenance Technology program led by Program Coordinator Bruce Glasco."

Dr. Reece extended his heartfelt thanks to PACRO, "I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to PACRO for their belief in our vision and for recognizing the potential impact of this initiative on the needs of local businesses, our community and its surrounding areas."

Greg Wiles, PACRO executive director, expressed confidence in the grant's impact. "We are confident the grant funding will help create new employment opportunities and provide the necessary education to meet the increasing Aviation Maintenance Technology demands in our region."

Aviation maintenance technicians play a crucial role in various sectors, including business and industry, healthcare, law enforcement, the military, government, non-aviation transportation, agriculture, media, arts/culture, tourism, and recreation. Private aircraft owners also rely on aviation mechanic services.

Recognizing the essential role of lawmakers, Dr. Reece said, "Our state lawmakers and regional officials have emphasized the importance and urgency of establishing the WKCTC Aviation Maintenance Technology program that aims to address the critical shortage of aviation mechanics nationally and within our state."

Dr. Reece added, "With projections indicating a need for 739,000 new aviation mechanics worldwide over the next 20 years, and Kentucky ranking second nationally in aerospace-related exports, our program will not only meet this demand but also contribute to the economic growth of our region."

Acknowledging the collaborative effort, Dr. Reece concluded, "Together, we are shaping a brighter future for our students, our community, and the businesses we aim to support through workforce development."

The WKCTC Aviation Maintenance Technology program is scheduled to launch in August 2024, thanks to the support of PACRO, state lawmakers, WKCTC faculty and staff, and dedicated community members.

In the last twelve months, PACRO has supported three institutions in establishing new degree programs, contributing to the creation of new careers in the community. WKCTC joins the University of Kentucky College of Engineering and Murray State University in benefiting from PACRO's commitment to fostering economic growth and job creation.

PACRO Board Chair Eddie Jones remarked, "I just thought it was perfect timing that all three of the institutions that served PACRO have started a new program in the last year. I am so glad this worked out because this is the perfect fit for PACRO money. This is a mission of what we were supposed to do in the community - new jobs, new careers."

Glasco, a U.S. Army veteran with more than 30 years of aviation maintenance experience and AMT program coordinator, echoed Dr. Reece's gratitude to PACRO. Glasco stated, "The new AMT program will become a huge success for WKCTC and the community. The future AMT graduates will represent the area well."

As WKCTC moves forward with the program, there is anticipation of an immediate impact on students and sustained growth and success for years to come.

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