Ranken Technical College and the City of Perryville have partnered to open a new aircraft technology technical school at the Perryville Regional airport. Ground broke on the new facility this week on Monday, June 1 with a ceremony featuring remarks from city officials, representatives from Ranken, and Angela Martinez, Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s Denver Regional Office.
Mayor Larry Riney opened the ceremony by thanking everyone involved in bringing the new facility to Perryville, a project that began in 2017 when TG Missouri recognized a need for more technical training for their employees.
“This project began as a shared vision between the city and Ranken, and was brought to life through the hard work of dedicated staff members,” Riney said. “We look forward to our partnership and are grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting and expanding the Perryville aviation community.”
Ranken Technical College President Donald Pohl spoke about the goals of the school, which once completed will prepare students to pursue FAA certification as airframe and power plant technicians, helping address workforce shortages in the aviation industry while creating access to high-paying career opportunities for the regional workforce.
Pohl said students at the new institute will learn both the general education needed to work in aviation, as well as gain real, hands-on experience in the fields they will be prepared to work in.
“Our mission at Ranken is to provide the comprehensive education training necessary to prepare our students for employment and advancement in a bright, technical career field,” Pohl said. “This facility, these hangars, of course, are a perfect example of that mission in action. What I mean by that is that we know that, at Ranken, students learn technical skills best by doing. Not by reading, writing, and talking about it, but by actually doing it. In other words, the best way to train for work is to use real-world work. So we’re excited for the new aviation program. A place where precision, discipline, and innovation come together to shape highly skilled professionals. Students won’t just study theory, they’ll actively apply it by working on real aircraft systems, engines, and components. The practical experience builds confidence and prepares them for real-world challenges in aviation maintenance.”
Pohl said the programs taught at the new facility will focus on teaching discipline, attention to detail, and adherence to regulatory standards.
“These qualities not only prepare students for certification exams, but also instill a professional mindset that employers value highly,” Pohl said. “This future facility is a perfect representation of industry and education working together to create successful economic development.”
Funding for the facility comes from the EDA. According to Regional Director Angela Martinez, the department has invested $2.8 million dollars into the facility.
“I know that you will soon very soon see the impact of this investment in the students that come through the new facility as well as the industry here that’s able to grow. And really that’s what this is all about,” Martinez said. “It’s what Ranken is so good at, training workers for the good jobs that are in demand. Helping industry grow and helping families create good quality life in the community that they want to call home. So thank you all for what you do to make this region so strong and vibrant. It is hard work, but it tastes like this that we are reminded that it’s worth it.”
City Administrator Brent Buerck closed the remarks by talking about the history of aviation in Perryville, and commenting on how the new facility will be a win not only for Perryville, but for the entire southeast Missouri region.
“This is not a Perryville victory as much as it is a regional victory,it is going to serve our kids and the future,” Buerck said. “Aviation mechanics are making $100,000 with two years of education, and the closest school we have is Lynn Tech. Now this is gonna help, you know, two and a half hours in a circle will be that range and people will come here. Ranken’s already got 30 kids from 30 different Missouri school districts and 12 of them from Illinois. So just wait to see what’s possible after this.”
Following the remarks, Riney and other local government officials joined the Ranken representatives for a ceremonial ground breaking in front of the buildings that will be transformed into the new facility.
An official opening date for the new facility has not yet been announced.
