Workforce Florida, along with a partnership of five of the state’s community colleges, has launched the Employ Florida Banner Center for Manufacturing.
“Florida’s manufacturing industry is a key driver of the state’s robust economy,” said Katherine E. Wilson, Chair of Workforce Florida. “In order to remain globally competitive, Florida manufacturers must have a highly skilled workforce.”
The center is funded by a $500,000 grant from Workforce Florida, in partnership with Hillsborough Community College, Florida Community College at Jacksonville, Manatee Community College, Pasco-Hernando Community College and Polk Community College.
The center is aimed at preparing students, workers and prospective employees for the new national certification in manufacturing, which focuses on the areas of quality assurance, maintenance awareness, manufacturing processes and safety. The college partners will become certified test centers for the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council’s Production Technician Certification.
Florida has a diverse manufacturing group, with 16,500 manufacturers that produce products ranging from fertilizer and contact lenses to orange juice and aircraft parts.
For more information, visit www.EmployFlorida.com