Admin
OTC, FLDOE partner on workforce education
Posted on 10/12/2020
OCPS News Release logo


Orange Technical College is excited to join forces with the Florida Department of Education for a new workforce education initiative aimed at raising awareness of short-term career and technical education programs. Get There Florida highlights the key benefits of the programs available locally in Orlando and to all Floridians statewide.
 
“Students we are talking to want to go back to school, they want to re-skill, they want to up-skill and they want to re-enter the workforce, but they want to do so in a career where they know they can make a good living and get a good job. So, our work is driven by providing students with opportunities in very technical fields to earn industry certifications quickly, so they can get back out into the field and support their families,” said Melanie Stefanowicz, Associate Superintendent for Orange County Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education Department.
 
Career and technical education, often referred to as “CTE”, serves as a critical component in preparing individuals for occupations important to Florida’s economic development. Program offerings are organized into 17 career paths and are geared toward middle school, high school, district technical schools, and Florida College System students throughout the state. 
 
Get There accelerates student success, preparing them for their future and ensuring a talented workforce,” said Kathy Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System. “With 28 state colleges and 48 technical colleges and centers spanning the state, there is a program for everyone. Whether you’ve recently experienced job loss, graduated high school or are simply looking for a career change or opportunity to stack your credentials into a degree – we want to help you Get There.”
 
At Orange Technical College students can enroll in an in-demand, high-quality workforce program, move quickly, and gain critical skills needed in Central Florida essential and emerging industries. Programs include:
 
•  Building Construction Technologies
•  Healthcare and Nursing
•  Advanced Manufacturing
•  Transportation and Logistics
•  Digital Media and Information Technology

 
“Career and technical education matters more than ever,” said Henry Mack, Chancellor for Career, Technical and Adult Education. “Get There raises awareness about CTE and helps everyone envision the power of a workforce training opportunity for professional and personal wellbeing. By connecting students to a high value credentials at our state colleges, we will be sure to reach our goal of becoming #1 in workforce education by 2030.”
 
At GetThereFL.com, Floridians can learn more about CTE and workforce training programs available at state and technical colleges, align their interests with a career path and connect with their local institution to enroll.  
 
 
(For more information, please contact Sr. Administrator for Career and Technical Education, Parker Antoine at 407.317.3212 or [email protected]