Chairman Gilbert to establish training center to address talent shortages in Aviation, Energy, Manufacturing, Construction, and STEM

Check presentation on Feb. 8 at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport

MIAMI-DADE – Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III will present a check in the amount of $100,000 on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at 9:30 a.m., to establish the Chairman Oliver G. Gilbert, III Innovation Lab, a training center for need-based technical training certifications in Aviation, Energy, Manufacturing, Construction, and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), which will be housed at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, 14201 NW 42nd Ave., Opa-Locka, FL 33054.

The training center will address employment shortages felt in the industries by providing awareness of available careers and exposure to tools and equipment to ready youth and adults for the technical workforce of tomorrow. The funds will kickstart the planning for an approximately 5,000-square-foot facility, which will be announced during the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Miami Regional Forum at Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.

Chairman Gilbert has partnered with Capt. Barrington Irving, a Miami-Dade County resident and the youngest person and first Black pilot to fly solo around the world, to establish the training center. Capt. Irving is also the founder of The Flying Classroom. Piloting of the training curriculum will begin this summer and includes certifications that can be obtained in as little as three months or one year, with a focus on engaging individuals from Miami-Dade County’s District 1 community.

The NBAA Forum will also feature a student competition in which youth will put their aircraft maintenance skills to the test. Winners and prizes will be announced. Individuals interested in attending the NBAA Forum can register by visiting: https://nbaa.org/events/2023-nbaa-miami-opa-locka-regional-forum/