Pasco-Hernando State College Volume XVI, Issue I Spring 2022 | Page 21

PHSC Part of $ 6.1M Grant for Technical Education Center

COLLEGE
UPDATE
like this work so seamlessly … with the involvement of a state college , a school district , the Florida legislature , the Governor ’ s office and local manufacturers ,” said Timothy L . Beard , Ph . D ., PHSC president . “ The funding for the Citizens Success Center is truly transformational and will fulfill the dreams of Hernando County students , PHSC students , and the citizens of Hernando County .”

PHSC is part of a $ 6.1 million grant to build a Technical Education Center in Hernando County , as recently announced by Governor DeSantis . The grant was awarded through the Florida Job Growth Grant . This center , a technical training complex , is a joint project between Pasco-Hernando State College , the Hernando School District , and Hernando County Government . All three entities collaborated on the grant application .

“ It is rare to see such an ambitious , collaborative project
The complex , to be located on 17 acres at the Brooksville Tampa Bay Regional Airport , has an expected completion date of Fall 2023 . The grant funds will be used to prepare the county ’ s property and add the necessary infrastructure prior to the start of construction . It will offer convenient , streamlined workforce training to prepare residents for direct entry into positions available in Hernando County .
“ The College is excited to be involved in this joint effort to create a dynamic , student-centered educational facility with the mission of building specific skills to meet local employers ’ needs in key career and technical fields ,” said Stanley M . Giannet , Ph . D ., executive vice president and chief academic officer and college provost . “ Quality workforce training is vitally important to the economic health of our community and a significant component of our PHSC mission .”

Specialized Free Apprenticeships Now Offered

This fall , PHSC offered students a new , hands-on way to learn an important skill so they can join the job market even sooner . The Apartment Maintenance Technician apprenticeship began in October at the West Campus in New Port Richey .

Ten students spent the first week in the classroom learning about the work they will do once paired with an area apartment complex . On-the-job training at the apartment includes HVAC , cabinetry , electrical , appliance repair and other skills . Each student receives 2,000 on-the-job training hours paid for by the apartment complex where they work . They receive certificates for each skill at the end of the program , which takes one year to complete . The program is not only a paid apprenticeship , but it costs the students nothing to be in this course .
“ PHSC continues to identify a variety of academic programs that meet emerging career needs and workforce opportunities — from degrees to rapid credential certifications . Our first state-approved apprenticeship program will provide a quality workforce to our regional housing industry ,” says Stanley M . Giannet , Ph . D ., executive vice president and chief academic officer and college provost .
SPRING 2022 19