Space Coast EDC, FloridaMakes Introduce New Manufacturing Training Program at Eastern Florida State College
By Space Coast Daily // May 2, 2021
New training curriculum to begin this fall
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) in partnership with FloridaMakes announced today the launch of a new hands-on training curriculum, the Technician Boot Camp, designed specifically for the requirements of the Space Coast manufacturing industry by the EDC and FloridaMakes.
This 32-week intensive training course will begin this fall at Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) and offered through Brevard Schools Adult Education.
Through collaboration with local business, the EDC and FloridaMakes identified the skills and training needed to advance careers and fill the talent pipeline for this expanding industry, which represents over 500 local companies.
Worth 12 credit hours towards an Engineering Technology Associates Degree (ETAS) at EFSC, the Technician Boot Camp augments the EDC’s Certified Production Technician (CPT) program, an industry-recognized certificate worth 15 credit hours towards the ETAS.
After completing both programs, students are only 33 credit hours away from the ETAS and a step closer to a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology.
The Technician Bootcamp courses include non-destructive and destructive testing, applied manufacturing mechanics, through-hole and surface-mount soldering and cable and wire harness assembly.
“The Technician Boot Camp resulted from direct engagement with our community’s advanced manufacturers to identify and meet their needs,” said Lynda L. Weatherman, President and CEO of the EDC.
“Building on the success of the CPT program, the EDC and its partners will continue to cultivate a talent pipeline that benefits employers and potential employees alike.”
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“FloridaMakes is proud to be a partner in creating a solution for manufacturers who need skilled workers now to meet growth demands,” said FloridaMakes CEO, Kevin Carr.
“Mike Ennis, the FloridaMakes Business Advisor at the EDC, heard the pleas from employers and was instrumental in creating this innovative program that brought us together with educators, manufacturers and the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center to design a program that supports current needs as well as one that provides pathway opportunities in advanced manufacturing careers.”
“Concentrated skills training programs that offer industry-recognized certifications and credit towards a higher degree are exactly what Brevard’s manufacturers need to grow and retain a skilled workforce,” said Marci Murphy, President, CareerSource Brevard.
“This is another shining example of bringing the strengths of workforce, economic development and education together to produce positive outcomes as a response to local industry needs.”
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“I believe this new training program will be an excellent asset for Northern Brevard. As a business owner, I will definitely support the training of individuals looking to excel in the manufacturing arena,” said Brian Hulsberg of Spacecoast Cable & Harness, Inc.
“It should give all participants an opportunity for employment in an industry that is continually looking for qualified candidates.”
Fall classes for the Technician Boot Camp will be offered at the Palm Bay and Titusville campuses at EFSC and at the Office of Brevard Adult Education in Cocoa.
For more information contact Ryan Evans at 321-433-5294 or EvansR@EasternFlorida.edu
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast is dedicated to attracting new business and investment and expanding existing industry throughout the Space Coast, influencing change on government laws and regulations affecting economic development, promoting the Space Coast to encourage new investment, supporting efforts of Space Coast military installations, and relaying new programs and procedures to assist manufacturing and high-tech companies.
The EDC is a private, not-for-profit coalition whose stakeholders are business leaders committed to the economic growth and stability of Florida’s Space Coast. Visit www.SpaceCoastEDC.org
FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an alliance of Florida’s regional manufacturer’s associations with the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the competitiveness, productivity and technological performance of its manufacturing sector, with an emphasis on small- and medium-sized firms.
It accomplishes this by providing services focused on three principle value streams: technology adoption, talent development, and business growth.
FloridaMakes is the Florida affiliate of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network in the state of Florida, a program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. For more information about FloridaMakes, please visit FloridaMakes.com and follow @FloridaMakes on social media.
