FSCJ received the Advanced Manufacturing: Northeast Florida America’s Promise Grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to strengthen and expand job training partnerships for the community. The only college in Florida to receive this grant, FSCJ is using the $1,804,656 award to support advanced manufacturing training opportunities. 

Currently serving 31 students, the program provides fast track, high-tech training to individuals who are looking to begin a new career or advance their skills in manufacturing, construction or welding. Participating students receive hands-on training from certified industry experts using the latest equipment and, in as little as six months, they are ready to start an internship, enter the workforce or continue working toward an A.S. in Engineering Technology or A.S. in Industrial Management Technology. 

Below are some students' responses when they were asked how the no-cost program will impact their lives:

"This will give me the skills needed to obtain a career to support my family."

"It will allow me to have a better standard of living without having any debt coming out of school."

"It will allow me to take control of my economic future and to become an independent person."

"As the first of my peers to go out to make a positive change, it will show my daughters that it is possible to be anything you want to be."

The program is supported by many community and corporate partners including Anheuser-Busch, CareerSource Northeast Florida, Flightstar Aviation, GE Oil & Gas, JAX Chamber, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care, Inc., Pal-King, Inc., Special Tool Solutions, Inc., The Safariland Group and Veritas Steel.

Learn more about the program: fscj.edu/neamericaspromise.