Drew Dixon
Space Florida is collaborating with the Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East Coast (ABC FEC) to strengthen Florida’s construction workforce in the aerospace and other space-related commerce.
The agencies inked a deal in late April to formalize the partnership, featuring the ABC FEC’s Institute Apprenticeship College. The apprenticeship school is the ABC FEC’s educational and training wing.
The “memorandum of understanding” agreement stipulates joint efforts to increase skilled trades training and workforce education to handle the increasing requirements for growing space-related infrastructure and associated facilities surrounding Cape Canaveral, as the reinvigorated space industry is growing along the Space Coast.
“This is more than a signing. It’s a strategic alignment of two industries critical to Florida’s future,” said Peter Dyga, President and CEO of ABC Florida East Coast. “By bringing together the state’s leading commercial construction association, Florida’s leading expert in workforce development, and the state’s aerospace finance and development authority, we are laying the foundation for long-term success in workforce development, infrastructure, and innovation.”
The agreement comes as the Institute Apprenticeship College is marking its 50th anniversary. The college is Florida’s most extensive apprenticeship education program. The institute provides training in the construction trade with specialties offered in the space and aerospace industries in the Sunshine State.
The agreement includes the objective of establishing a hub for training and education in the trades of skilled construction in the Space Coast region.
“At Space Florida, we are committed to building up the aerospace workforce to meet the growing demand for skills across our state,” said Rob Long, president and CEO of Space Florida. “Florida is a global hub for aerospace innovation and talent, and through partnerships like this, we can strengthen the pipeline of skilled workers who will continue to lead our industry forward.”
Space Florida is essentially a consortium of aerospace companies operating in Florida. The agency is a business development organization for aerospace and space-related sectors.
