Help develop knowledge and interest in careers in manufacturing by working with students. The program includes the Adopt-a-School program and the Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship partnerships with FloridaMakes. Contact Paul Miller to learn how your organization can participate.
Manufacturing Apprenticeship Accelerator teaches how to strategically overcome talent crunch
The FloridaMakes Network in partnership with the Florida Department of Education – Apprenticeship Division, CareerSource Florida and Jobs for the Future (JFF) are hosting a statewide Manufacturer Apprenticeship Accelerator at Orange Technical College in Orlando on Friday, April 8.
Scott Ellsworth, Principal and Owner of Scott Ellsworth Consulting and Sherpa Management Solutions, is the keynote speaker at this a hybrid (virtual and in-person) event. The agenda topics include "Apprenticeship 101," RAP panelist discussion, Q&A discussion with panelists, and "Partners, Resources & Next Steps."
In-person attendance will include networking with subject matter experts who can fast track your apprenticeship program or answer any questions you may have. LEARN MORE
Walton County students seek support to participate in international STEM event
Maude Saunders Elementary School in DeFuniak Springs is asking for help for their third grade’s FIRST Lego Explore team. “The Thirds” six-student team has been selected to participate in the 2022 FIRST Lego League World Expo. This was the only team selected from the Northwest Florida Region and consists of 49 Explore teams.
The FIRST Lego League experience provides numerous benefits to its participants as the intersection of both STEM inspiration and those ever important “soft skills.” According to an impact study, participants in FIRST Lego League are significantly more likely to show gains and interest in STEM, STEM careers, and understanding of STEM. Past year’s participants reported huge gains in communication, conflict resolution, time management, and problem solving.
“Supporting these programs is an excellent way to invest in the future of Northwest Florida,” said Northwest Florida Manufactures Council president, Paul Miller.
The World Expo will be held in Houston in April 2022. This event will include 60 Explore Teams from around the world. Teams will demonstrate their coding and engineering abilities through the Lego build portion of the expo along with their ability to communicate their mission through a presentation poster. This is a phenomenal opportunity for these students to be exposed to a world of STEM they might not otherwise even know exists.
If you would like to support the Maude Saunders Elementary School continue to strive to make science education relevant and rigorous by solving real-world problems through STEM activities, please contact Paul Miller to donate. Sponsorship levels are $1,100 (GOLD) to sponsor one student in full to attend the Lego League World Expo, ($550 SILVER) to sponsor half of one student’s cost to attend the expo, and $275 (BRONZE) to sponsor a quarter of one student’s cost to attend. Sponsors will be listed on the back of the team's t-shirts.
Florida Department of Economic Opportunity accepting mitigation applications from Hurricane Michael-impacted communities
The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) announced it is accepting project applications from Hurricane Michael impacted communities for $42.2 million through the state’s Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program to increase community resilience and fortify critical facilities.
“Just last week, the Florida Panhandle experienced wildfires in the same communities still recovering from Hurricane Michael,” said Secretary Dane Eagle. “Now more than ever, it is important to provided communities with additional opportunities to continue rebuilding and strengthening their infrastructure. Governor DeSantis remains steadfast in his commitment to ensure all Florida communities become more resilient to any future disaster.”
Administered by DEO, the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program is designed to provide funding opportunities for local governments and state agencies to develop large-scale mitigation activities that allow Florida communities to better withstand future disasters and increase community resilience. Local school districts, nonprofits or not-for-profit organizations, and non-governmental organizations are also encouraged to apply in partnership with a state agency or local government.
Eligible entities may submit their project applications to be considered for funding to DEO on or before 4 p.m., Central Time, on Friday, June 10, 2022. Submission of a request for funding does not guarantee that funding will be provided. To learn more about the Rebuild Florida Mitigation General Infrastructure Program, eligibility requirements, and how to submit a proposal, CLICK HERE.
AmCon Expo comes to Florida in April
AmCon Advanced Design & Manufacturing Expo is being held in Orlando on April 13 and 14. AmCon regional expos are the cost-effective way to find suppliers of contract manufacturing and job shop services. Admission, attendee parking and seminars are free.
Held and the Orange County Convession Center, AmCon exhibits job shops and contract manufacturers that provide a wide variety of manufacturing services and custom component parts to OEM buyers and engineers. Categories include metal, plastic, rubber, electronic and much more. 93% of AmCon attendees are top level purchasing, engineering and production managers who are directly involved in buying contract manufacturing and job shop services.
Face-to-face interactions with contract manufacturers from throughout the U.S. and Canada are expected to participate including sources in 3D printing, additive manufacturing, automation, robotics, forming, fabricating, machining, engineering, prototyping, finishing, fasteners, assembly, electronic manufacturing, design, castings and more.
Tom Myers of Rex Lumber found humor and genius in this Schick Xtreme3 commercial. He says it creatively shows not only how to speak to students about standing out and being ready for interviews, but how member manufacturing companies can get in front of them to deliver this message. What do you think?https://youtu.be/dYx6iehzyPA
Local tortilla manufacturer improves service and quality for NWFL food vendors
As businesses are dealing with supply chain issues, a local company has expanded their services to manufacturing and have become a resource for several local restaurants.
Employees’ Financial Literacy Improves Bottom Line
Providing employees the tools to become financially literate about the basics—knowing how to manage personal savings, credit, and create a spending plan—helps improve factors that affect the organization’s bottom line, such as productivity.
