Metro Tech is helping to address Oklahoma’s aviation workforce shortage.
The technical school is investing millions of dollars in its MacArthur campus.
Metro Tech aviation student Richard Jordan Jr. says the possibilities are endless in the program. “I love working with my hands. I couldn’t survive sitting behind a desk,” Jordan says. “I feel like I can be my true self here.”
Jordan moved to Oklahoma for this opportunity and has watched it shape his life. “I think this experience has been amazing,” he says.
Jordan is one of 280 students in Metro Tech’s aviation department, and President Aaron Collins said the school has invested $1.8 million to improve the building’s appearance.
“That’s the value of Oklahoma Career Tech,” Collins said. “Finding a place of pride.”
Collins said people like Jordan are in high demand in Oklahoma, where the aviation industry needs 300 mechanics each year. Flying takes a team, and Jordan knows a lot about teamwork.
The former Missouri Southern State All-American linebacker applies the lessons he learned on the gridiron to his life, and his mother, who also works in the aviation industry, is an inspiration to him.
“It was a lot of fun, but it definitely helped me realize there’s more to life than football,” Jordan said. “I’d love to one day fly for FedEx or a major airline, that would be awesome.”
Jordan had no ties to Oklahoma, but this opportunity put Richard right where he belonged.
“I fell in love with it and now I’m here,” Jordan said. “I hope one day I can be a proud Metro Tech graduate.”
The Oklahoma City Airport Trust has repaired the roof at Metro Tech’s facility, and an open day will be held Friday from 10 a.m. to noon at 5600 S MacArthur Blvd., next to Will Rogers World Airport in Oklahoma City, to see the renovations and tour the campus. Metro Tech is now accepting applications for admission for the fall semester.
