Technician Boot Camps Now at EFSC
June 22, 2021 – Technician Boot Camps, a new hands-on training curriculum, have launched. The new training courses were designed specifically for the requirements of the Space Coast manufacturing industry by the Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) in partnership with FloridaMakes.
This 32-week intensive training course will begin this fall at Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) and is 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.
“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.”
“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.”
“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.”
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.
Fall classes for the Technician Boot Camp will be offered at the Titusville and Palm Bay campuses of 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.
Source: Brian Baluta, Director of Communications and Partner Relations, BBaluta@SpaceCoastEDC.org