SPC Receives State Funding to Develop Manufacturing Workforce Training

7/24/2024

St. Petersburg College declares a major win for Florida’s workforce. On Wednesday, Governor Ron DeSantis held a press conference at SPC’s Midtown Center to announce a $7.2 million investment in workforce development and infrastructure improvements through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and the Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive (CAP) Grant. Awarding SPC grant funds from these two programs, Gov. DeSantis emphasized the importance of workforce training to fill the talent pipeline for skilled manufacturing technicians in Tampa Bay and the state.

SPC was awarded $3.2 million from the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund and $4 million from the CAP Grant to develop new manufacturing technician training, which will fuel the state’s manufacturing workforce.

“Today’s investments in St. Petersburg College’s SMART Tech 4.0 lab reinforce Florida’s spot as the #1 state for talent development,” said Gov. Ron DeSantis. “We are committed to investing in opportunities that help students develop the skills necessary to land high-wage jobs and become leaders in industry.”

Florida is a global hub for Advanced Manufacturing and Semiconductor industries, with Pinellas County being at the forefront. Home to global manufacturing leaders including Jabil, Honeywell, Lockheed Martin, Plasma-Therm, and Bigorre Aerospace, Pinellas County ranks second in the state for most manufacturing businesses and third in the state for the most manufacturing employees.

“These strategic investments made by Governor DeSantis give students the opportunity to learn in fields that are essential for our state’s growth in advanced manufacturing and semiconductors,” said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “The funds will also help the college utilize portable equipment in existing spaces, allowing them to host SMART Tech-related classes while the lab is under construction.”

In direct response to regional and state industry needs, SPC will utilize grant funding to develop a state-of-the-art Industry 4.0 Lab at its Midtown campus and enhance and expand short-term training programs in Semiconductors, Mechatronics, Automation, and Robotics. These smart-technology programs directly address the surging demand for high-tech talent throughout Tampa Bay and the state. Through the lab and purchase of high-tech equipment, SPC will provide hands-on, real-world experience to prepare students for today’s Advanced Manufacturing workforce. With its location in Midtown St. Pete, the training offers opportunities for the unemployed, underemployed and/or veterans to earn credentials and gain high-wage technician jobs and apprenticeships.

“At St. Petersburg College, we are striving to provide students with an education that leads to better jobs so they can live better lives and we can build better communities,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams. “Today, Gov. DeSantis brought us closer to that goal. His bold commitment to funding workforce training in the great state of Florida has made all the difference. We thank him for making the lives of Floridians a priority through education.”

Grant funding will also help expand SPC’s STEM Collegiate High School at its Downtown Center to the Midtown Center, providing an additional A.S. career option for high school students. New programming will offer a clear pathway for high school dual enrollment students, equipping them with the technical knowledge and skills needed for success in the workforce.

“Providing students with a quality education that will lead to future opportunities is vital to building a strong workforce,” said Education Commissioner Manny Diaz, Jr. “Under the leadership of Governor DeSantis, Florida is well on its way to surpassing the goal to be the number one state for workforce education by the year 2030.”

Semiconductors and advanced manufacturing are target industries for the state of Florida. Over the past two years, the state has invested nearly $400 million into growing these sectors. This award builds on these investments as Florida continues to attract and retain businesses in these high-demand industries.

About the Grants
The Florida Department of Commerce’s Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. The program has helped expand business opportunities, create more than 2,900 new high-wage jobs and facilitate the growth of Florida’s aerospace, defense and manufacturing sectors. Learn more about the Job Growth Grant Fund.

The Florida Department of Education’s Workforce Development Capitalization Incentive Grant (CAP) provides grants to school districts and Florida College System institutions to fund costs associated with the creation or expansion of career and technical education programs that lead to industry certifications. Dedicated to strengthening workforce development across Florida, the initiative underscores Florida’s dedication to equipping students statewide with the essential skills required for success in high-demand occupations. Find information on the CAP Grant.

For businesses interested in partnerships with SPC, contact Marilyn Browne, business relationship manager, at 727-341-7187 or browne.marilyn@spcollege.edu.