Alpha Flight seeks $50,000 from Plymouth Redevelopment Commission to launch Aircraft Maintenance CTE Program

A new aviation career pathway could soon be available to area high school students, as representatives from Alpha Flight appeared before the Plymouth Redevelopment Commission Tuesday evening, requesting $50,000 to help launch an Aircraft Maintenance CTE Program at the Plymouth Airport.

Jodi Marohn and Debra Venti presented the proposal, which would bring a hands-on aircraft maintenance curriculum to students through the North Central CTE Cooperative for the 2026-27 school year. While an official announcement has not yet been made, Marohn said students are already signing up — and demand is already outpacing available space. The program expects to enroll 30 students in its first year, with that number expected to at least double in year two, eventually reaching 120 students across four daily class sessions.

Marohn noted that aircraft mechanics currently rank as the number one best-paying job not requiring a college degree as of January 2026, and that many students already enrolled in Alpha Flight's existing two-year aviation program have been asking about a maintenance track.

The program has already secured a $50,000 grant from the Marshall County Community Foundation to fund the first year. The total estimated cost for the full two-year program ranges from $90,000 to $122,000, and the $50,000 request before the Redevelopment Commission would go toward purchasing the equipment needed for hands-on training.

City Attorney Jeff Houin indicated the funding could be drawn from TIF District #3 without significant delay, as a prior amendment to that district's plan already permits capital investment for educational institutions that prepare individuals to compete in the global economy — the same language used to fund equipment for the Automotive Maintenance Program at the Career Innovation Center.

Commission President Mike Miley expressed support for the initiative but asked Marohn and Venti to return at the June 16th meeting to allow commissioners time to review the materials presented. "I like this program, but I'd like you to come back next month so we can look over the material presented tonight," Miley said. Commissioner Craig Hopple added, "This is a great opportunity for students."

Looking further ahead, plans include an apprenticeship program and the potential for a full-time aviation maintenance shop at the Plymouth Airport — one that could attract aircraft from the broader region for maintenance work and further boost the local economy.