Massachusetts Secretary of Education Stephen Zrike Jr. toured the FCTS Aviation Maintenance Technology’s new hangar last week and came away impressed and enthusiastic about the program and the career opportunities available for its graduates.
Zrike told The Greenfield Recorder that the program and the hangar are “awesome.” He was joined by state and local officials, including FCTS school committee members, school administrators and staff.
The visit coincided with “413 Day” and other state officials including Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll visited other location in western Massachusetts. Zrike said he was excited that students have access to a program such as the Aviation Maintenance Technology at the high school level.
Franklin County Technical School received Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of their Aviation Maintenance Technology program this January and are working towards approval as a DESE designated CTE aviation program. During the visit administrative officials toured the school’s new 12,000 sq. ft. aviation hangar, flight simulator, and learned about the state-of-the-art aviation training modules. Certified aviation mechanics are in high demand and salaries can run from $50,000 to over $200,000.
Following the event, Superintendent Richard Martin said it was an honor to host Secretary Zrike and other officials from the executive Office of Education. He said Zrike’s visit the new aviation hangar and the newly approved FAA Aviation Maintenance Technician program highlighted the state’s commitment to building a highly skilled, career-ready workforce.
The school received a $4.2 million Skills Capital Grant in December 2022 that allowed for the creation of the Aviation Maintenance Technology program and the construction of the hangar.
“The tour provided a valuable opportunity to showcase how initiatives like the state’s Skills Capital Grants are directly impacting students by expanding access to high-demand, high-skill career pathways,” Martin said. “This investment in aviation education reflects a broader vision - one that aligns education with workforce needs and creates meaningful opportunities for students across Franklin County and beyond. We are grateful for the continued partnership and support from the Commonwealth as we prepare the next generation of skilled professionals.”
State Representative Susannah Whipps (I-Athol) was on hand to tour the hangar and said she appreciated Zrike and Assistant Secretary Robert LePage visiting FCTS and this exciting new program. She added that the tech school continues to the lead the way to meet the needs of its students and the workforce.
“The new Aviation Maintenance program offers a pathway to innovation and success for our students. Congratulations to FCTS for always raising the bar when it comes to education and opportunity,” Whipps said.