WORKFORCE PROGRAM
PHSC Awarded Over $ 227,000 To Expand Apprenticeship Programs
Pasco-Hernando State College was awarded $ 227,943 in funding through the Florida Pathways to Career Opportunities Grant ( PCOG ) program for 2023-2024 .
The funds are part of an overall $ 14.4 million appropriation approved by Gov . Ron DeSantis during National Apprenticeship Week . These funds are aimed at helping start , expand or operate registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs at Florida school districts , colleges , state universities and private training entities . The funding will support over 5,000 participants as they commit to receiving on-the-job training and related classroom instruction simultaneously .
“ The funds will support both apprenticeship programs by allowing the purchase of equipment , tools , materials , and consumable supplies that are needed for the program . In addition , it will also fund instructors and curriculum that is used in the programs ,” said Christopher Brantley , Ed . D ., assistant dean , PHSC Workforce Development and Career & Technical Education .
PHSC currently offers an Apartment Maintenence Technician apprenticeship program . Students in this program learn skills such as appliance repair , HVAC , basic electrical , basic plumbing , carpentry , punch skills and more through inclassroom instruction and on-the-job training . provide an opportunity to learn new skills that are in high demand within our local area . Students can also retrain and gain new skills that will allow them to be employable in a new field ,” said Brantley .
As the only college in the area to receive this grant funding , PHSC is looking to further expand its apprenticeship offerings with help from the PCOG .
“ The apprenticeship program has a bright future . We are currently working on a buildout of a Construction and Design program at Gower ’ s Corner . Once completed , it will house both our apprenticeship programs , Construction and Design and Apartment Maintenance Technician . In addition , the new site will allow the college to collaborate with local partners in the construction industry . Through these local partnerships , we will be able to expand the programs to meet the needs of the local community ,” said Brantley .
Recently PHSC received two special mobile training stations outfitted with electrical , plumbing and HVAC simulators to complement its AMT program with the ability to offer training throughout the area . The mobile trainers were acquired with funds from a prior grant and are a direct testament to opportunities grants like the PCOG provide .
“ The apprenticeship programs are important because they For more information , visit : phsc . edu / apprenticeships .
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