Aerospace, Aviation Careers In The Spotlight

There are some new oppotunities on the horizon for students attending Florida Community College at Jacksonville... as the school, in conjunction with Brevard Community College and assisted by a state grant, has established an aerospace job-training program at Cecil Commerce Center, located on the grounds of the former Naval Air Station Cecil Field.

The Business Journal of Jacksonville reports the newly-created Aerospace Resource Center will develop curricula for up to 10 entry-level and advanced courses, with the goal of training at least 200 workers by January.

"We want the approximately 1,700 Florida companies involved in aviation and aerospace to know the Aerospace Resource Center is open for business to assist them with their work force development needs," said FCCJ President Steven Wallace. "We also want students, people searching for new careers or professionals seeking a career change to consider the possibilities available in aerospace."

Part of FCCJ's Aviation Center of Excellence, the Aerospace Resource Center is funded by a $1.2 million state grant, provided by Workforce Florida Inc. Aviation and aerospace is a primary focus at the school... as well as biotech, manufacturing, and finance.

To say that aviation is big business in Florida is an understatement... as state figures peg the aerospace industry's contribution to the state economy exceeding $7 billion in 2004. Nearly 148,000 Florida jobs are in the aerospace field, as well.

The Aerospace Resource Center was established following the recommendation of a commission established by Florida Governor Jeb Bush. The commission aimed to better match Florida's work force development efforts with the needs of the state's industries.

Sounds like this a great place to start!

FMI: www.fccj.org