Metro Technology Centers and Rose State College Create Aerospace Partnership Published August 21, 2019

Metro Technology Centers and Rose State College announce a partnership to create life-long learning opportunities for students. The partnership was formalized at a commemorative signing on August 21, 2019 at the Metro Technology Centers, South Bryant campus. 

The new partnership creates a pathway for students to continue their education. Metro Tech is one of the leaders in the aircraft/airframe maintenance educational industry. So, it was only natural for Rose State and Metro Tech to come together not only to allow students to further their educational opportunities but also further career opportunities. 

“We need more aerospace workers. What you are doing [Metro Technology Centers and Rose State] is stepping up and filling a huge gap for us,” stated Brent Kisling, Executive Director for the Oklahoma Department of Commerce in opening remarks. 

The new partnerships allows students who earn their Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate through Metro Tech to qualify for credit hours toward an Associate’s Degree at Rose State. These students have two aerospace options to choose from at Rose State – an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree. 

“Rose State and its partners have created a pathway for education with on-ramps and off-ramps to the workforce,” stated Dr. Jeanie Webb, President of Rose State College. “This is a comprehensive partnership that extends beyond Rose State and Metro Tech to include colleges, universities, and other career technology centers in the state.” 

“Metro Technology Centers’ Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) students have a higher first time pass rate nationally and consistently ranks as a top 5 school in the nation. The AMT is one of the most rigorous and intense certifications and we are thrilled Rose State College is able to substantiate the value and credibility in the form of college credit,” stated Metro Technology Centers Superintendent Bob Parrish. 

“There is no better place to grow your aerospace business than Oklahoma,” stated event keynote speaker Oklahoma Secretary of Veterans Affairs and Military, Brigadier General Ben Robinson (USAF Retired). “Today is different than what we’ve done in the past because we have two leaders [President Jeanie Webb of Rose State and Superintendent Bob Parrish, Metro Technology Centers] that understand we need an educated, trained and motivated workforce.” 

The first student to take advantage of this new partnership is Audreyanna Franklin. Ms. Franklin graduated in May from Oklahoma City Public Schools Northeast Academy and returned to Metro Tech’s Aviation Maintenance Program as an adult to complete her education. She has been accepted to Rose State College with plans to major in Enterprise Development with the aviation option. Audreyanna says her career goal is to work in management at either Tinker Air Force Base or Boeing.