$1.4M grant to boost tech training for Charlotte County students

PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County Public Schools was awarded $1.4 million through the Florida Department of Education’s Workforce Capitalization Incentive grant program, the district announced Tuesday.

The funding, known as Workforce CAP, will support “advanced manufacturing programs” at Charlotte Technical College and Port Charlotte High School, district officials say.

“These programs will equip our students with the skills needed for high-paying careers right here in Southwest Florida, ensuring they are prepared for the workforce and ready to succeed,” Superintendent Mark Vianello wrote in a Tuesday statement.

The funding aligns with district’s Space Florida partnership. Earlier this year, the district launched its Space Academy and is expanding the Airframe and Powerplant training center in a partnership with CTC and the Charlotte County Airport Authority.

While Space Florida’s Space Academies provide pathways for students interested in aerospace and related industries, Charlotte County Public Schools has developed a Career Planning Guide for students that offers comprehensive information on an array of career paths, including advanced manufacturing.

Through partnerships with local businesses, students can participate in internships and apprenticeships, gaining real-world experience before they graduate.

“By adding advanced manufacturing programs at Charlotte Technical College and Port Charlotte High School, we are offering more choices within our Career Planning Guide and building a strong local talent pipeline,” Vianello wrote.

Derek Rooney, president of the Charlotte County Economic Development Partnership, said he was “thrilled” to learn about the grant.

“The continued efforts of the superintendent and the school board to equip the next generation with skills that align with industry demands are essential in diversifying and driving economic growth in our community,” he wrote in a statement to The Daily Sun.

The grant is part of a $62 million statewide initiative to enhance workforce development.