Pensacola State College requests $3.25M for workforce training center in Escambia County

Bay County's Triumph Gulf Coast board has taken significant steps to enhance workforce development in the region, approving substantial funding requests from both Pensacola State College (PSC) and Tallahassee State College (TSC) during their recent meeting.

Pensacola State College has been granted $3.25 million in Triumph funding to establish a workforce development training center on its main campus in Escambia County. This investment, which covers 63.1% of the project's total cost, will primarily fund renovations of Building 21, previously an academic computing center. The new facility will feature classrooms, training labs, and support areas for various workforce programs, including HVAC, logistics, advanced manufacturing, IT, and healthcare technology. PSC anticipates awarding approximately 970 industry-recognized certifications over the funding period, projecting a return of $24.90 in additional labor income for every dollar spent by Triumph.

In a parallel initiative, Tallahassee State College has requested $10 million to support its health care and teacher preparation expansion initiative, which has a total budget of $27.6 million. Triumph funds will represent 36.2% of the project costs, with TSC contributing $1.6 million and seeking an additional $16 million from the Economic Development Administration. This initiative aims to address critical workforce shortages in healthcare and education by providing cutting-edge training programs and certifications. The facility will serve as a regional hub, offering programs for phlebotomists, medical assistants, and future educators, thereby creating a sustainable talent pipeline for Wakulla County and surrounding areas.

Both projects received high ratings from Triumph staff, emphasizing their potential economic impact and alignment with community needs. The board's approval of these funding requests marks a proactive approach to addressing workforce challenges in Bay County and its neighboring regions, setting the stage for enhanced economic growth and community development.