Gary Smallridge, Principal, Marion Technical College

In an interview with Invest:, Principal Gary Smallridge of Marion Technical College, addressed workforce needs with high-demand programs like Practical Nursing, achieving 100% placement rates. Securing $6.7 million in state funding, he said the college has begun constructing an aviation and diesel mechanics facility while expanding ESOL and GED programs.

What is your overview of Marion Technical College’s mission, programs, and role in supporting the local workforce?

Marion Technical College is a hands-on learning institution with 23 to 25 programs, adjusting offerings based on community demand. Nearly all our programs are in-person, except for Business Management, which is online.

Our flagship programs, like Practical Nursing and Radiologic Technology, address critical workforce needs. Practical Nursing, for instance, has a 100% placement rate, with graduates employed in hospitals, clinics, and urgent care centers within a year. Due to high demand, we’re doubling enrollment with a new daytime cohort starting in January. Radiologic Technology is another standout, offering X-ray technician training. We’re the only technical college in Florida with this program, allowing students with prior degrees to earn certification and sit for licensure exams, maintaining a 100% pass rate.

In addition to healthcare, we provide hands-on training in areas like welding, HVAC, and commercial driving, preparing students for high-demand careers. On the adult education side, our GED and ESOL programs help individuals advance their education or learn English to integrate into the workforce.

Our mission is to act as a workforce pipeline, aligning programs with high-demand, high-paying careers, and constantly evolving to meet the needs of our community

How is Marion Technical College addressing community needs?

We tailor our programs to meet workforce demands in Marion County and beyond. By focusing on high-demand fields like healthcare, public safety, and technical trades, we ensure our graduates are well-prepared to step directly into their careers. Programs like Practical Nursing, Radiologic Technology, and CDL training directly address workforce shortages, while our GED and ESOL programs help community members gain foundational skills.

Our goal is to act as a workforce pipeline, constantly adapting to serve our community’s evolving needs.

What strategies have been most effective in attracting and retaining students?

Modernizing our outreach has been critical. Social media, particularly short video reels on platforms like Facebook, generates far more engagement than traditional posts or even radio ads. These efforts have been especially effective in our growing but still community-oriented area.

We’ve also focused on raising awareness about financial aid. Many programs can be attended for free if students apply on time. Around 80% of students in high-demand programs, like welding, firefighting, and radiologic technology, receive full financial support. Reducing financial barriers while improving communication has been key to our success in attracting and retaining students.

What recent accomplishments or highlights stand out for Marion Technical College over the past year?

Securing state funding for new programs has been a significant achievement. For the first time, Marion County submitted an appropriation request to the state legislature. With support from Rep. Stan McLean and Sen. Keith Perry, we secured $6.7 million to build a 17,000-square-foot facility for aviation mechanics and diesel technician training.

Construction is already underway, and the first students will begin in January 2026. This project addresses a community need for skilled aviation and diesel mechanics. We’ve already hired an instructor for aviation mechanics and are in the process of hiring for diesel. This is the largest project we’ve ever undertaken, and it highlights our commitment to meeting local workforce demands.

How does Marion Technical College adapt its programs to meet changing workforce demands?

We collaborate closely with the business community through annual advisory meetings. These meetings help us identify gaps and adjust our programs. For example, local automotive employers requested more training in electrical troubleshooting, so we updated our curriculum to ensure students graduate with certifications in this area.

Similarly, our HVAC program was launched after construction companies emphasized a growing need for technicians. A $1.5 million grant allowed us to upgrade facilities and purchase state-of-the-art equipment.

In healthcare, we are considering the addition of an entry-level program like Patient Care Technician to bridge the gap between CNAs and Practical Nurses, ensuring hospitals and clinics have a steady pipeline of skilled workers.

Our approach is centered on listening to the community and aligning programs with high-demand, high-wage careers to ensure long-term sustainability.

What are the college’s plans for growth in emerging fields like artificial intelligence and technology?

We’re actively exploring ways to introduce programs in artificial intelligence and semiconductor technology. We’ve identified potential instructors and are developing course frameworks. These programs will complement ongoing expansions, like the new aviation and diesel mechanics facilities, ensuring we stay ahead of workforce demands.

We’re also phasing out programs that no longer align with industry needs, allowing us to focus on areas like AI that will drive the future of work.

Cybersecurity has become a growing field. How is Marion Technical College expanding in this area?

We’re evolving our Computer Systems and Information Technology (CSIT) program to place a stronger emphasis on cybersecurity, reflecting the increasing demand for skilled professionals in this field. A new program, tentatively titled Applied Information Technology, will integrate cybersecurity training into its curriculum.

Beyond technology, how is Marion Technical College supporting other industries?

We’re proud to offer diverse programs that meet a wide range of workforce needs. For example, our culinary arts and baking programs are thriving, supported by the area’s reputation as a “foodie” hub. Graduates are well-prepared to step into local restaurants, including high-profile establishments.

In aviation, we’re building a new facility for mechanics and diesel technology. This program will allow students to train locally while addressing demand for skilled aviation workers. Although some graduates may need to relocate to larger cities, the training provides critical opportunities for residents who want to begin their careers closer to home.

What partnerships have enhanced Marion Technical College’s offerings?

Our partnerships are vital, particularly in Health Sciences. Local hospitals and clinics hire our graduates and collaborate with us to place students in clinical rotations. These relationships ensure our training aligns with real-world demands.

In public safety, we partner with Marion County Fire Rescue and other fire departments, which sponsor students in exchange for commitments to work with their agencies after graduation. Recently, the First Responders Scholarship Fund has provided full tuition coverage for students in these fields, reducing the need for local sponsorships while filling workforce gaps.

How is Marion Technical College adapting to Florida’s population growth and a more diverse student body?

The growth in our adult education programs, particularly ESOL, reflects the changing demographics. We’ve seen a surge in demand from migrants eager to learn English and gain workforce skills. In some cases, we’ve had busloads of new arrivals signing up at once.

This demand has outpaced our resources, prompting plans to replace outdated portable classrooms with a new facility funded through state and local matching funds. This expansion will not only better serve our ESOL and GED students but also support new programs in high-demand fields like plumbing and artificial intelligence.

What is the state of technical colleges, and what is your outlook for Marion Technical College?

Technical colleges are in a strong position, with increased funding and recognition of their value. The state has invested heavily in programs that train students for high-demand careers in a year or less, avoiding the debt associated with traditional degrees.

At Marion Technical College, our outlook is extremely positive. We’re focused on completing current projects, such as the aviation and diesel mechanics building, while securing funding for future growth in fields like artificial intelligence and plumbing. By showcasing how we meet workforce demands and grow with the region, we’re positioning ourselves to sustain this momentum and provide life-changing opportunities for our students.