Local schools and colleges seek state support for workforce training at ECAP and regional programs

Leaders from the Charlotte County School Board and Florida Southwestern State College pressed the county delegation to back investments in local workforce training that they say will connect residents with higher-paying manufacturing and health-care jobs.

Kima Montre, speaking for the Charlotte County School Board, thanked legislators for a prior $1.5 million appropriation that established a high school aviation program now enrolling about 150 students. She asked for $1,750,000 in startup operating funds to launch an adult advanced manufacturing training facility at Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park (ECAP), calling the center "essential to expanding our local workforce pipeline." Montre said Charlotte County Public Schools will provide capital dollars to construct the facility but needs state support to operationalize training and industry-recognized certifications.

Dr. Jeff Albritton of Florida Southwestern State College said FSW has expanded workforce programs on the Charlotte campus and listed new degree or certificate tracks including advanced medical assisting, physical therapy assistant and logistics/supply chain management. He asked the delegation to continue backing existing legislative requests tied to the Charlotte campus and highlighted student demand and regional enrollment.

Both presenters emphasized public-private partnerships, naming Space Florida, the Charlotte County Airport Authority and local manufacturers as collaborators, and argued the investments would help attract employers and retain graduates in Southwest Florida.

Next steps: presenters said appropriation requests and supporting materials were submitted to the legislature and that college and school staff are available for follow-up with legislative offices.