Southwest Florida Advanced Manufacturing Training Center Secures $1.75M Boost


July 8th, 2025

Southwest Florida Advanced Manufacturing Training Center

Florida just doubled down on Charlotte County’s future.

Governor Ron DeSantis approved $1.75 million in state funding to launch the Southwest Florida Advanced Manufacturing Training Center—a new initiative that’s set to transform how our region trains, equips, and grows its workforce. Located at Punta Gorda Airport’s Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park (ECAP), this project is more than a school—it’s a pipeline to real jobs in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and other high-wage industries.

Let’s explore what this means for our students, our economy, and our future.

Read Original Article from CCPS

Southwest Florida Advanced Manufacturing Training Center

The Future of Skilled Workforce Development

The new center, part of Charlotte County Public Schools, will deliver hands-on training that leads to real credentials—exactly what Southwest Florida’s employers are looking for.

With a focus on high-skill, high-demand fields like advanced manufacturing and aerospace, this training center will serve both high school students and adult learners. Whether you’re a junior at Port Charlotte High or a veteran looking to re-skill, this facility will offer the tools—and the trajectory—you need.

And it’s not just about equipment. It’s about alignment. The curriculum is designed hand-in-hand with industry to match real workforce needs.

Strategic Location at ECAP

Why the Site Near PGD Is a Game-Changer

Why here?

The training center is located in ECAP—just steps from Punta Gorda Airport, surrounded by a cluster of aviation, logistics, and light industrial employers. This isn’t just smart planning. It’s a strategic play.

Think about it: a student could walk out of class and straight into an internship. Or better yet, a career. Businesses in ECAP are hungry for talent—and now they won’t have to look far.

The location also strengthens partnerships with aviation-related programs like the MRO services, aerospace manufacturing firms, and future PGD expansion projects. That proximity turns classroom knowledge into on-the-job success.

What the $1.75M in Funding Supports

Inside the State-Backed Investment

The approved budget isn’t just a one-time check. It’s the final piece of a funding puzzle that shows how committed Charlotte County is to workforce innovation.

  • $1.75M from the state

  • $1M local match

  • $800K additional state match

  • Total Project Cost: $3.55M

That funding will support:

  • Building a cutting-edge training facility at ECAP

  • Equipping it with modern manufacturing and aerospace machinery

  • Launching a credential-based training model for both high schoolers and adults

  • Embedding the center in the state’s overall Career and Technical Education (CTE) vision

Education Meets Industry

New Pipeline for Aerospace and Technical Jobs

This isn’t your typical classroom setup.

Students will learn in a lab that looks more like a manufacturing floor than a lecture hall. They’ll earn certifications in things like CNC machining, 3D design, and aviation maintenance—skills that local employers are actively hiring for.

Already, Charlotte Technical College offers an FAA-certified A&P program. The new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center builds on that momentum by creating even more pathways for students—and more reasons for businesses to grow right here in Charlotte County.

The outcome? A local talent pipeline that’s trained, credentialed, and ready to work.

Career & Technical Education (CTE) in Action

Programs for High School and Adult Learners

Charlotte County Public Schools is leading the way with CTE.

Thanks to previous state investments, the district launched a manufacturing pathway at Port Charlotte High School in 2024. With this new center, the district will expand those efforts even further.

Here’s what’s rolling out next:

  • August 2025: High school manufacturing program expansion

  • January 2026: Adult manufacturing credential program at Charlotte Technical College

  • Ongoing: Industry certifications, internships, and employer-led training modules

This is real education. Real skills. Real opportunity.

Benefits to Local Businesses

Why Manufacturers Should Be Paying Attention

If you run a manufacturing, aerospace, or logistics business in Southwest Florida, this center changes everything.

No more recruiting from out-of-county. No more undertrained new hires.

Instead, you’ll have direct access to:

  • Pre-screened, credentialed candidates trained in your specific needs

  • Internship pipelines that let you “try before you hire”

  • Opportunities to shape curriculum based on your workforce gaps

And let’s not forget site selectors. A region with workforce infrastructure like this gets noticed.

Charlotte County’s Workforce Strategy

A Big Step Toward Long-Term Economic Growth

This investment is more than a win for Charlotte County—it’s a key milestone in a broader workforce strategy.

By focusing on growing talent locally, Charlotte County is:

  • Attracting new businesses who value access to skilled workers

  • Supporting residents with clear career pathways and better wages

  • Building a resilient economy that can adapt to technological change

From Space Florida partnerships to ECAP site readiness, this is what smart economic development looks like.

Voices of Support

What Leaders Are Saying About This Initiative

📣 “This funding helps Charlotte County build a strong talent pipeline. That benefits students, job seekers, and our local economy,” said Superintendent Mark Vianello.

📣 “It shows the state recognizes schools as essential partners in economic development,” added School Board Member Kim Amontree.

📣 “A major win for Florida’s workforce, economy, and future,” said Rep. Vanessa Oliver.

This isn’t just funding—it’s momentum.

Timeline and Next Steps

When Programs Launch and How to Get Involved

Here’s what’s coming:

  • Mid–2025: Site design and construction begins

  • August 2025: Manufacturing program launches at Port Charlotte High School

  • January 2026: Credentialed adult program launches at Charlotte Technical College

  • 2026 and Beyond: ECAP training hub becomes operational for Charlotte County and regional employers

Want to get involved? Reach out to Charlotte County Public Schools or the Charlotte County Economic Development Office to learn about partnerships, training programs, and hiring pipelines.

FAQs

What is the Southwest Florida Advanced Manufacturing Training Center?
A new facility located at ECAP that provides hands-on training in aerospace and advanced manufacturing for high school and adult learners.

Who is eligible to attend?
Charlotte County high school students and adult learners seeking manufacturing credentials.

Where is it located?
At Enterprise Charlotte Airport Park (ECAP), near Punta Gorda Airport.

What types of jobs does it prepare people for?
Advanced manufacturing, aerospace, aviation maintenance, CNC machining, and other skilled trades.

How can local businesses partner?
Businesses can host interns, help shape curriculum, and hire graduates from the program.

When will it open?
High school program expands in August 2025; adult program begins in January 2026.

Conclusion

Charlotte County isn’t waiting for the future—it’s building it.

The Southwest Florida Advanced Manufacturing Training Center represents the best of what public-private partnerships can do. With $1.75M in state support and a region rallying behind workforce innovation, this is the start of something big.

Whether you’re a student looking for your next step, a business seeking talent, or a resident excited about where we’re headed—this is your moment.

The future of Charlotte County is advanced. And it’s just getting started.

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