A measure to build a statewide aerospace training facility cleared both the Senate Education and the Appropriation and Budget committees and is now headed to the Senate floor.

Senate Bill 432, authored by Sen. Adam Pugh, R-Edmond, authorizes the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education to acquire or lease property for the purpose of creating the statewide aerospace training facility.  Under the measure, the State Board would establish admission standards and the curriculum requirements.

Pugh said he filed the legislation after officials at the state’s air force bases voiced a growing need for job candidates with specific skill sets in Oklahoma.  Aerospace and aviation is the state’s second largest industry and still growing rapidly, with an annual economic impact of $44 billion and providing 205,000 direct and indirect jobs with an average salary of $73,300. 

Pugh noted the statewide program would have no district boundaries, which would be a different approach from CareerTech programming, allowing students from anywhere in the state to access the training center.