News, Blogs & Events

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 30, 2024

FloridaMakes Secures Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant

Program connects veterans with in-demand manufacturing jobs

ORLANDO, Fla. - FloridaMakes, Inc., a statewide manufacturing extension partnership, has been selected to receive a Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant (PCOG) from the Florida Department of Education in the amount of $425,914. The grant will support initiatives to expand career development programs and strengthen the talent pipeline within Florida’s manufacturing industry.This award enables FloridaMakes to enhance its workforce training programs, providing increased opportunities for apprenticeships and skills development, particularly for veterans transitioning out of military service. The grant will be instrumental in supporting the organization’s ongoing mission to drive the competitiveness and sustainability of the state’s manufacturing sector through innovative workforce solutions.

Kevin Carr, CEO of FloridaMakes, shared his enthusiasm about the grant: “We are grateful to Governor Ron DeSantis and to the Florida Department of Education for dedicating these vital funds towards workforce upskilling initiatives. This investment not only reflects a profound understanding of the value of empowering our incumbent workers and veterans but also underscores a commitment to fostering a skilled workforce that drives our state's manufacturing economic growth.”

Marcelo Dossantos, Director of Workforce Development for FloridaMakes, added, “The Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant provides an opportunity for veterans to obtain the training and resources necessary to transition into high wage/high skill manufacturing careers”. 

FloridaMakes is excited to help individuals gain the skills they need to thrive in this vital industry, which plays a key role in Florida’s manufacturing economy. By investing in the skills of those who’ve served our nation, this program is paving the way for a more resilient and capable manufacturing industry. 

Florida manufacturers interested in fully funded workforce upskilling through apprenticeships, and hiring military veterans can learn more by visiting https://www.floridamakes.com/featured-programs/pcog.

###

Media Contact:
Frances S. Nevill
FloridaMakes

Frances.nevill@floridamakes.com

(407) 491-9543

# # #

About FloridaMakes

FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led, public-private partnership operated by an

alliance of Florida's regional manufacturers associations and partner organizations with

the sole mission of strengthening and advancing Florida’s economy by improving the

competitiveness, productivity, and technological performance of its manufacturing

sector, with an emphasis on small and medium-sized firms. It accomplishes this by

providing services focused on three principal value streams: technology adoption, talent

development, and business growth. FloridaMakes is the representative of the
Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) National Network in the state of Florida, a

program of the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the U.S.

Department of Commerce. For more information about FloridaMakes, visit

FloridaMakes.com and follow @FloridaMakes.

#LatestNews
#PressRelease
#WorkforceTraining+Development