On January 29, 2024, community members and leaders representing the City of Salem, the Salem-Keizer School District, Salem Municipal Airport, the Salem Area Chamber of Commerce, and local businesses joined the Career Technical Education Center (CTEC) to celebrate the official launch of CTEC’s new Aviation Program at the program’s facility at Salem Airport.
Led by experienced aviation instructors and boasting an impressive array of state-of-the-art equipment — including drone technology, full-motion flight simulators, and aircraft maintenance tools — the program is designed to provide Salem-Keizer School District students with access to training and certifications while preparing them to enter the workforce in a high-demand and high-need aviation industry.
“I’m very passionate about providing our youth with the skills, experiences, and certifications they need to access a rewarding career,” said CTEC Principal Rhonda Rhodes.
The event included speeches by Principal Rhodes; Salem Chamber CEO Tom Hoffert; Salem Mayor Chris Hoy; Salem-Keizer Public Schools Board Chair Karina Guzmán Ortiz; Congresswoman Andrea Salinas’ Field Representative for Marion, Polk & Yamhill Counties Brandon Jordan; two CTEC Aviation students, who shared their gratitude about the opportunity to participate; and Avelo Airlines COO Greg Baden. The event concluded with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, photo opportunities, and tours led by CTEC Aviation students and staff.
The Salem Chamber is proud to be a community partner in the launch of this program and thanks all of our fellow community partners and businesses for helping it take flight!