Mitch Perry
St. Petersburg College was one of 11 recipients of nearly $22 million in Florida Job Growth Grant Funds awarded Tuesday by Gov. Rick Scott.
SPC received more than $1.5 million for a new mechatronics training program, partnering with several regional businesses to meet demands for workers having automation and troubleshooting skills.
“This initiative is a prime example of the Governor’s vision and dedication to workforce programs that drive our state and local economies and the College’s commitment to collaborative, high-impact educational programs that strengthen our communities,” said SPC President Dr. Tonjua Williams.
The college officially received $1,596,858 to create the Mechatronics and Electromechanical Technician training program, which the Governor’s office called an “accelerated, innovative, responsive and competency-based technical workforce program that meets the advanced manufacturing industry’s skill requirements.”
The money is part of the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, established by Scott and the Legislature last year. It provides $85 million for improving the state’s public infrastructure and enhancing workforce training.
So far, 21 communities statewide have received more than $57 million from the Fund.
“These projects are also slated to add more than 18,600 jobs for Florida families,” Scott said in a statement. “I look forward to the completion of these projects.”
