In a move designed to promote economic development and position a more strongly aligned workforce, Illinois’ Greater Rockford Airport Authority (GRAA) and Rock Valley College (RVC) have combined efforts to create an expanded aviation maintenance technology program.

“This trusted partnership aligns with the region’s need to create a workforce that meets the unique manufacturing needs of existing employers within the community and companies seeking to locate here,” said Mike Dunn, GRAA executive director. Under the terms of the agreement, GRAA will lease land to RVC to build a 40,000-sq-ft aviation maintenance training facility on airport grounds to house the RVC educational course of study for aeronautical maintenance and repair. Currently, the program is taught in a 9,800-sq-ft building. The new facility will allow RVC to significantly increase the quantity of students participating in the program, which leads to the FAA airframe and powerplant certificate. Additionally, three new certificates will be added to the program offerings: avionics, non-destructive testing and composites.