Miami, Sept. 20, 2023 – At a press conference today, Florida Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez announced more than $1.8 million awarded to Miami Dade College (MDC) through the Governor’s Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to establish the Construction Trade Institute (CTI) at MDC North Campus. The institute will serve as the central location for the College’s technical construction courses that equip students with practical skills to find career opportunities in the growing construction and technology sectors.
“As MDC continues to serve as the workforce engine of our community, this grant represents our dedication to creating more opportunities for our students by forging pathways that meet the needs of emerging and growing industries,” said MDC President Madeline Pumariega. “This investment builds upon our work that continues to grow Florida’s talent pipeline and its future workforce.”
The new CTI is part of MDC Builds, an initiative through the School of Continuing Education and Professional Development that creates career pathways for construction jobs. It will offer courses and certifications in HVAC, welding, electrical, building maintenance, project supervision, basic construction skills, data analytics, and general contracting, among other specialties.
Currently under development with funding from the Economic Development Administration, the institute is projected to have more than 1,500 completers over a ten-year period, a 34 percent increase in completers entering Florida’s technical workforce.
“Under Governor DeSantis’ leadership, consistent and strategic investments in Florida’s technical workforce drive Florida’s nation-leading economy forward today and help prepare for the growth Florida will see in the coming years,” said Lieutenant Governor Jeanette Nuñez. “Today’s award to Miami Dade College will help ensure that the local workforce is prepared to meet the needs of tomorrow’s industries.”
The Florida Job Growth Grant Fund is an economic development program designed to promote public infrastructure and workforce training across the state. Proposals are reviewed by FloridaCommerce and are chosen by Governor DeSantis to meet the demands for workforce training or infrastructure needs in communities around the state.
“Thanks to Governor DeSantis’ bold economic vision for Florida’s economy, Florida residents have more access to dynamic workforce training that translates to long-term growth,” said Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. “CTI will simultaneously provide opportunities for Floridians and help meet the needs of our state’s competitive industries — a true win-win for job seekers and job creators.”
For more information and to apply for a Florida Job Growth Grant, visit www.FloridaJobs.org/JobGrowth.