Gov. Ron DeSantis Announces Over $10 Million in Workforce Education Investments

Florida remains the national leader in workforce development

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA — Gov. Ron DeSantis is awarding more than $10 million in workforce education investments through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund. This initiative supports public infrastructure and workforce training designed to meet the needs of local communities and industries across the state.

The fund supports programs in HVAC, construction, robotics, welding, and CNC machining at Eastern Florida State College, Indian River State College, Polk State College, Seminole State College, and Valencia College.

These grants will help students develop the skills in demand in key industries and ensure Florida remains the national leader in workforce development and economic growth.

Florida Job Growth Grant Fund Highlights:

• Florida ranks #1 in business formations and net in-migration.

• The state’s unemployment rate has been below the national average for 54 consecutive months.

• Since 2019, the grant fund has supported the creation of nearly 40,000 jobs.

• Florida emphasizes fiscal responsibility, low taxes, and strategic investment in public infrastructure and workforce development.

Award Recipients:

• Eastern Florida State College:
  $1.5 million to expand its welding and HVAC career and technical certificate (CTC) programs.

• Indian River State College:
  $1.3 million to expand workforce training in HVAC, electronics, and building construction technology and robotics.

• Polk State College:
  $2.8 million to expand existing programs, including computer numerical control (CNC) machining, and establish a new welding program.

• Seminole State College:
  $2.8 million to establish its Nextgen Workforce Development Institute (NWDI), offering skilled workforce training in construction and engineering through vocational trade programs.

• Valencia College:
  $1.5 million to enhance training in construction and mechatronics and add student capacity in these areas, as well as orbital welding.

These strategic investments aim to align workforce training with industry demands, create job opportunities, and support Florida’s growing economy.

Similar Stories