“Drive to 1,000” campaign to place students in advanced manufacturing jobs

Clearwater, Florida – The Florida TRADE Consortium, a coalition of 13 state and community colleges across Florida, is announcing the launch of a statewide campaign to place 1,000 Florida TRADE students into jobs in advanced manufacturing by April 1, 2016. The campaign will be highlighted by job fairs, campus events, manufacturing days and forums, and other activities over the next 12 months.

“Florida TRADE’s mission is to develop and deliver accelerated technical training programs that allow students to earn industry certifications and to acquire technical skills that lead to jobs in advanced manufacturing” said Dr. Gary Graham, Director of the Florida TRADE Consortium. “We are committed to placing our students into good manufacturing jobs across the state.”

The CareerSource Florida Network, Florida Department of Economic Opportunity and the Manufacturers Association of Florida, MAF Center for Advanced Manufacturing Excellence plus Regional CareerSource boards and regional manufacturing associations have joined Florida TRADE in the “Drive to 1,000”.

“Manufacturers in Florida are growing and hiring,” said Nancy Stephens, Executive Director, Manufacturers Association of Florida. “They want employees looking for meaningful careers. Today’s manufacturing is high skill and high wage. Those wages circulate through the economy improving the quality of life for all citizens. “

“Advanced Manufacturing is an important industry targeted for future growth in Florida,” said CareerSource Florida President and CEO Chris Hart IV. “CareerSource Florida is a proud partner in this collaborative effort to help Florida’s manufacturers expand and compete, and Floridians secure rewarding, well-paying careers.”

As a part of the “Drive to 1,000” campaign, the group will conduct a statewide Florida Manufacturing Career Fair on April 22, to be held at multiple venues across the state. For more information about Florida TRADE and the upcoming Florida Manufacturing Career fair, visit www.fltrade.org or www.mafmfg.com

 

Media Contacts:

Gary Graham, Director: Florida TRADE Consortium

727-791-2478

[email protected]

Nancy Stephens, Executive Director: Manufacturers Association of Florida

850-402-2954

[email protected]