State Awards Indian River State College Grant to Expand Apprenticeship Programs

November 20, 2019 Suzanne Seldes

Indian River State College (IRSC) will expand apprenticeship opportunities by 59% with funds awarded through the Florida Department of Education Pathways to Career Opportunities grant program. The $10 million grant program was established as part of Workforce Education legislation passed in early 2019. The initiative promotes career readiness and workforce opportunities for students and working adults, ensuring alignment between Florida’s education and workforce needs. The College will receive grants totaling $298,948.

IRSC will be expanding its apprenticeship programs with funds awarded through the Florida Department of Education Pathways Career Opportunities grant program.

“Since becoming a comprehensive college in 1970, Indian River State College has offered skill- and career-training programs to meet the ever-changing workforce needs of Indian River, Martin, Okeechobee and St. Lucie counties,” states IRSC President, Dr. Edwin Massey. “The new funds will help IRSC expand the regional workforce pipeline through apprenticeship programs designed to meet growing demand for welding fabricators, culinary operations managers, pharmacy technicians and electricians.”

The grants will allow IRSC to increase capacity of two of its state registered programs—Electrician Apprenticeship and Culinary Operations Management Apprenticeship—and develop new apprenticeship programs for Pharmacy Technicians and Welding Fabricators. These registered apprenticeship programs enable participating employers to provide on-the-job training to meet industry standards, creating highly qualified employees. Certifications earned through registered apprenticeship programs are recognized nationwide.

Programs are scheduled to begin in 2020.