Thanks to our committees and our Northwest Florida educational team, several new initiatives have been implemented and/or underway. Ideas for these initiatives have come from our members, helping to hasten and strengthen the talent pipeline for regional manufacturers.
Planning Day Pilot Program
As recommended by the Educator Retention subcommittee, the NWFMC has approved funding for four substitutes per Advanced Manufacturing Academy. This allows educators to have an additional planning day each semester. Response to the first planning day has been positive, and with continued success, a recommendation will extend to other educators next year.
CPT Recipient Interviews
The Board of Directors has agreed to offer interviews to Advanced Manufacturing Academy students. Students must have completed the Certified Production Technician (CPT) credential and will be able to interview with one or more manufacturers in their locality. CareerSource will work with the students to offer resume assistance prior to interviewing. The goal of these interviews is to provide students with knowledge on how to write a resume and how to interview, assisting them as they join the local workforce. Northview High School Advanced Manufacturing students offered this idea to the Council.
Scholarships
The Scholarship subcommittee has narrowed their recommendations and has offered two options to the Board of Directors for consideration:
- Take Stock in Children identifies students at the end of their eight grade year and mentors them throughout high school. Funding is available to these students once they prepare to begin a two-year certification or degree program.
- High school seniors may enter into a contract with a local manufacturer and the Council to attend a manufacturing program. Students would be obligated to work for the manufacturer involved.