were the first in the state to develop this program , and other colleges visited us to see what we were doing .”
The lab features a commercial brewing system and tasting area , immersing students in the beverage industry from production to management to service . Over 40,000 community members have been impacted by the program , with graduates securing roles throughout the county .
Building on its success , the college is considering expanding the program .
“ We ’ re exploring the incorporation of winemaking ,” said Magoulas . “ Across all of our hospitality programs , we stay attuned to industry changes to ensure we remain a vital resource .”
SJRSC ’ s MPAP program fast-tracks students into manufacturing careers .
Manufacturing Prep Accelerated Program : A Fast Track to Employment
Manufacturing is another key industry where education and business collaboration play a crucial role . Florida is home to nearly 25,000 manufacturing companies , and jobs in the field offer an average annual wage of $ 74,647 , which is 17 % higher than the state ’ s average wage across all industries . Despite its growth , the manufacturing sector faces a critical shortage of skilled workers , with companies striving to develop a workforce that meets evolving industry needs .
At SJRSC , the Manufacturing Prep Accelerated Program ( MPAP ) provides short-term , hands-on training for entry-level positions in manufacturing production and quality assurance .
“ We continually network with local chambers and economic forums to assess workforce needs ,” said Russ Berger , Director of Community and Corporate Education at SJRSC . “ From there , we develop courses that prepare participants for indemand positions .”
MPAP is structured to go beyond traditional learning , incorporating industry guest speakers and plant tours . The program is funded through Operation Next Florida , allowing a limited number of participants to enroll free of charge .
“ This program succeeds because it creates direct connections with local employers ,” said Berger . “ Participants who pass the CPT certification exams also earn 15 credits toward
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