Gabrielle Russon
Gov. Ron DeSantis says a $4 million grant is on its way to Indian River State College to help fund manufacturing training.
The money, which comes from Florida Job Growth Grant Fund, will go toward the college’s new Institute for Industrial Manufacturing and Production Training.
“This new institute will offer accelerated hands-on training in high-demand fields,” DeSantis said at a Fort Pierce press conference. “These programs will directly support the growing needs of manufacturers in the region and prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing.”
DeSantis also unveiled a $4.9 million grant to Miami Dade College to launch an aircraft mechanic training program to help meet a “huge demand in the state.”
“These programs will provide students with the direct pipeline into maintenance repair and operations, requiring minimal additional training after graduation,” DeSantis said at Wednesday’s press conference. “Classes are expected to begin in 2025 with more than 450 students projected to complete the program in the coming years.”
In recent months, DeSantis has made several press stops to highlight the state’s investments to help grow the economy, including $2 million for SeaPort Manatee and $1.5 million for Winter Haven’s rail expansion.
“We have different tools in our tool box where we’re able to promote infrastructure development, economic growth and workforce training, called the job growth grant fund. It’s been very effective,” DeSantis told the crowd. “Since I’ve been Governor, we’ve added more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs in the state of Florida.”
DeSantis, who did not take press questions, also took digs at some of his usual targets: House Republicans, as well as other critics and the media questioning Hope Florida.
“Why are they doing it? It’s all because they want to try to impugn our Hope Florida program,” DeSantis said. “It’s all political.”
DeSantis’ remarks come before a House subcommittee is scheduled to hold a hearing on the organization’s growing scandal.
