Bradenton Area EDC leader: Businesses, educators can create modern workforce

The quality of education and relevant workforce training are key hot buttons for corporate decision makers who choose where businesses locate and expand. At the Bradenton Area Economic Development Corp., marketing our community as a business location is one of our core functions, so being deeply involved with the region’s educational institutions is an important component of our marketing strategy.

That’s why the EDC is convening a new working group of educators and business leaders to seek closer alignment between what students are learning and what businesses need now and in the future. From K-12 and beyond, we have seen many programs emerge with ever-increasing relevance to the modern workforce. We believe it’s time to create even greater synergy and clearly defined career pathways for in-demand skills and knowledge.

Aligning educational programs with workforce needs is a two-way street. Yes, educators can teach knowledge and skills, but employers also need to be engaged to advise curriculum, mentor students and provide apprenticeships and internships.

We are excited about a new, focused program for high school students interested in advanced manufacturing. This is a high-wage career, and we know Manatee County’s hundreds of manufacturing businesses need workforce-ready talent.

The program will be offered this fall by the Advanced Technology Center (ATC) at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota. The ATC provides continuing workforce education that meets the evolving needs of our regional industries. Students will have the opportunity to learn relevant manufacturing skills starting with fundamentals such as safety, measurements and electronics. After mastering these fundamentals, students use lab equipment to earn mechatronics industry certifications from the Packaging Machinery Manufacturing Institute. The institute describes mechatronics as the application of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, controls engineering and computer science to build and maintain high-tech equipment.

To enhance its alignment with the needs of local industry, the ATC seeks industry partners to mentor students and provide experiential learning opportunities after students have achieved milestones. The ATC also seeks advisory board members to meet twice yearly to provide guidance as the program grows and prepares students for jobs of the future.

Examples of industry partnerships include hosting tours of manufacturing facilities to show students the modern manufacturing environment. Companies also have provided hands-on experiences for students who get to work with equipment and interact with industry professionals in the workplace. Another business partner has donated equipment and provided curriculum and training for ATC students.

This summer the ATC will host three weeks of camp for middle and high school students focusing on robotics, fabrication, finishing and the Internet of Things. Get the details here: https://coding.scf.edu/camps/.

In addition to its manufacturing focus, the ATC offers workshops, micro-credentials and bootcamps in the high-demand fields of coding and cybersecurity. Offered through the ATC’s Coding Academy, these non-credit courses are aligned with SCF majors, such as engineering technology, graphic design, web development and networking. The Coding Academy now features three new AI-focused courses: AI for Industry Professionals, Coding with AI and AWS AI Practitioner. Other new courses include SQL Coding, CompTIA Tech+ and CompTIA Data+. Open Door Grant scholarships are available for Florida residents who are unemployed, furloughed or underemployed.

Businesses interested in the SCF Advanced Technology Center programs and potential partnerships may contact Desh Bagley at [email protected] or call 941-752-5208. Additional information about SCF ATC offerings is available at https://coding.scf.edu/.

Developing the workforce of today and tomorrow is a two-way street. With educators and businesses combining forces, our community can achieve an even brighter future for students, our workforce and the local economy.