FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 26, 2025
FloridaMakes and PRIDE Enterprises Form Strategic Partnership to
Strengthen Florida's Manufacturing Workforce
Five-year Initiative Will Create Manufacturing Career Pathways While Reducing Recidivism
Through Skills Training and Job Placement
ORLANDO, Fla.— FloridaMakes and PRIDE Enterprises announced today a five-year partnership aimed at expanding manufacturing workforce development opportunities and reducing recidivism in Florida through enhanced job training and placement programs. The partnership brings together FloridaMakes, Florida's official National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership, and PRIDE Enterprises, the State of Florida’s correctional work programs operator, in a collaborative effort to strengthen Florida's manufacturing sector while providing valuable skills training and employment pathways for individuals preparing to reenter the workforce.
"This partnership combines the deep manufacturing expertise of FloridaMakes with PRIDE's proven workforce development programs," said Kevin Carr, CEO of
FloridaMakes. "Together, we're creating a powerful pathway for skills development while addressing critical workforce needs in Florida's manufacturing sector."
Under the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), the organizations will collaborate on several key initiatives, including:
1. Development of specialized manufacturing training programs
2. Creation of job placement pathways
3. Information and resource sharing
4. Joint advocacy for manufacturing workforce development
5. Cross-promotional activities and events
The partnership will leverage FloridaMakes' extensive network of manufacturing associations and PRIDE's established correctional work programs to create a
comprehensive approach to workforce development and reentry success.
"By partnering with FloridaMakes, we're expanding opportunities for individuals to gain valuable manufacturing skills and secure meaningful employment upon
release," said Blake Brown, CEO of PRIDE Enterprises. "This collaboration strengthens our mission of reducing recidivism through real-world job training and
placement."
The collaboration will be supported through regional hubs across Florida, with designated liaisons facilitating communication and program implementation
between the organizations.
About FloridaMakes
FloridaMakes is a statewide, industry-led partnership working to strengthen
Florida's manufacturing sector through talent development, technology assistance,
and business growth. Operating under a cooperative agreement with the National
Institute of Standards and Technology, FloridaMakes leads the state's U.S. Dept.
of Commerce NIST/Manufacturing Extension Partnership and partners with various
educational and research institutions.
About PRIDE Enterprises
PRIDE Enterprises operates as an instrumentality of the State of Florida, managing
correctional work programs that provide valuable job training and placement
services. The organization focuses on reducing recidivism through practical work
experience and skills development, preparing individuals for successful reentry into
the workforce.
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Media Contact:
Frances Nevill, Director of Communications
FloridaMakes
frances.nevill@floridamakes.com
Visit Our Website: floridamakes.com
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