St. Petersburg College receives state funding to develop manufacturing workforce training
The College continues to create opportunities for better jobs and better lives with the help of state grants.
St. Petersburg College receives state funding to develop manufacturing workforce training
The College continues to create opportunities for better jobs and better lives with the help of state grants.
St. Petersburg College (SPC) 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.
“I think the sky's the limit with what we're doing here at St. Petersburg College. I think that this could be replicated in other parts of the state as we start to see the fruits of this investment,” said Gov. DeSantis. “We're going to continue going forward and making our businesses stronger, we’re proud of this.”
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.
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.
“The Workforce Development Cap Grant will provide new opportunities for students in Pinellas County in advanced manufacturing, and semiconductor industries, both industries that are growing across the state. This funding will allow St. Petersburg College to create a state-of-the-art lab space and classroom that will help purchase equipment and technology to support student success,” said Manny Diaz, Education Commissioner of Florida.
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.