Florida State College
Press Release
February 16, 2021
Career and technical education can address workforce needs, especially amid the current disruption
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The month of February is widely recognized as Career and Technical Education Month® by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) as an opportunity to celebrate the value, achievements and accomplishments of programs across the country.
Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ), along with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and its 28 Florida College System institutions and 48 technical colleges, will celebrate by sharing the stories of their students who have successfully graduated from Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs into rewarding careers.
“At FSCJ, our students receive the highest quality of instruction from instructors who are industry professionals, which is an incredible benefit to graduates as they prepare to enter the workforce,” said College President John Avendano, Ph.D. “Each of our short-term programs were carefully developed for students who are ready to advance their career or step into a new one in a year or less.”
In September, FDOE launched its workforce education initiative Get There, aimed at raising awareness of short-term career and technical education programs and highlighting $35 million in funding made available to state and technical colleges in the form of rapid credentialing grants. These grants were designed to increase Florida’s capacity to enroll and graduate students quickly and to aid in accelerated recovery for residents and the economy.
“CTE Month provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the great work of our school districts and state colleges as they educate and help to prepare the future of Florida’s workforce,” said Chancellor for Career, Technical and Adult Education Henry Mack. “With the pandemic impacting the lives of many residents, there is no better time to highlight how CTE can make a difference. CTE is equal parts engaging, exciting and transformative, and leads to better academic and employment outcomes.”
The current disruption has propelled the demand for CTE programs as many Floridians seeking reemployment are looking for opportunities to match their current skill sets to demand from employers. While the pandemic sparked a renewed focus on the importance of CTE, there are also opportunities to reach beyond those impacted and educate all Floridians about educational offerings available in the state.
“With CTE, there is something and somewhere for every Floridian,” shared Chancellor of the Florida College System Kathy Hebda. “No matter age, ethnicity, educational background or employment and financial circumstance, we are committed to each student’s success and future, all while ensuring a talented workforce for our great state.”
At FSCJ, students can enroll in an in-demand, workforce program, gain a credential quickly and affordably, and gain critical skills needed in Northeast Florida essential and emerging industries. Programs include:
· Information Technology
· Nursing
· Dental Hygiene
· Automotive Service Technician
· Paralegal Studies
· Digital Media/Multimedia Production
· Welding Technology, and more
“As a working mom of four boys, pursuing a college degree is no easy feat. FSCJ has offered the support and convenience needed for me to be successful,” said FSCJ Student Shameeka Clark. “Knowing that education is the key to change any circumstance, I hope my experience can inspire others to work toward achieving their goals, too.”
Floridians can learn more about CTE and workforce training programs available locally at https://www.fscj.edu/academics/short-term-programs.