DATE: August 25, 2006
CONTACT: Adriane Glenn Grant, Communications Coordinator, Workforce Florida, Inc. 850.921.1122

Workforce Florida, Inc. launched the state's first Employ Florida Banner Center to focus on the educational and training needs for occupations critical to the aviation and aerospace industry. Supported by a $1.2 million grant from Workforce Florida, Inc., the Aerospace Resource Center in Jacksonville will provide a pipeline of skilled workers for an industry vital to the local economies of Jacksonville and Brevard, and the entire state. The Aerospace Resource Center is a joint initiative of Florida Community College at Jacksonville and Brevard Community College. The launch announcement took place at Cecil Commerce Center in a hangar that is part of the Aviation Center for Excellence's training facilities.

This first Employ Florida Banner Center launch followed an inspiring graduation ceremony for a eleven students completing the Airframe and Powerplant certicificate program. The Banner Center launch was well attended (50+ attendees) by industry, education and workforce professionals, students and local media including television and radio reporters. The announcement received good local newspaper, TV and radio coverage later that day and the next morning in addition to additional inquiries and coverage from media in other areas of the state.

Up to eight industry-specific Banner Centers are planned statewide. Each will address current and future workforce development needs in key Florida industries, such as biotechnology, financial services and manufacturing. And each will provide on-going ready access to research and educational development. For more information on Employ Florida Banner Centers contact Adriane Glenn Grant at agrant@workforceflorida.com.