Since our launch in 2014, the Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County has been focused on helping our manufacturing sector grow and cultivating its future leaders. Through the collaborative efforts of our founding partners — Hillsborough County, Hillsborough County Public Schools, Hillsborough Community College and CareerSource Tampa Bay — manufacturers and industry associations, the manufacturing industry has made tremendous strides. Here’s a look at the impact we’ve had so far.

We invested millions in the growth of our industry.

We invested nearly $2,450,000 to create and support programs that empower people to learn about and kickstart a career in this continuously growing industry. The funds were used to purchase cutting-edge equipment, provide industry certifications and employ instructors with real-world industry experience.

Manufacturing is appealing to kids at younger ages than ever.

More than 500 students learned core industry skills through educational programs introduced in six Hillsborough County high schools and at Brewster Technical College. We also proudly partnered with the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center to provide scholarships for 40 high school students to attend an engineering technology summer camp and participate in plant tours on Manufacturing Day. As early as elementary school, students are getting involved in manufacturing and STEM-related camps through initiatives powered by the Alliance.

Manufacturers and students are connecting all across Hillsborough County.

In 2019, we celebrated National Manufacturing Day with more than 650 Hillsborough County public school students. Each student got a first-hand look at what various manufacturing careers look like while touring manufacturing facilities in Hillsborough County. Experiences like these introduce kids to the tremendous possibilities in the manufacturing field.

Veterans can find a great new career path in manufacturing.

We gave 42 veterans the chance to tour local manufacturing companies and meet potential employers during this critical transition to civilian life.

We helped kickstart 118 manufacturing careers.

In Hillsborough County, more than a hundred individuals earned either a Certified Production Technician (CPT) or Mechatronic certification. By subsidizing free certification programs throughout the county, the Manufacturing Alliance makes these sought-after industry certifications accessible to more people in more places.

We will invest $750,000 to continue the growth of the industry.

The Manufacturing Alliance of Hillsborough County will aim farther in 2020 and 2021 than in any of the years past, investing $550,000 to expand education and training programs at Hillsborough County Public Schools and Hillsborough Community College. Several plans are already in the works, such as arrangements to bring CPT Trainers to our Engineering Technology Program in Plant City, as well as the plan to build an American Welding Society (AWS) certification test site in Ybor City.

Another $200,000 will be used to continue raising public awareness about the great potential of manufacturing careers, and engage both the community and local manufacturers in new industry initiatives.

As the manufacturing field continues to grow, so does the demand for education and training. People, young and old, are beginning to recognize the great possibilities that lie within the manufacturing industry and while these accomplishments are worth celebrating, we’re still working hard to make sure our industry reaches its full potential.

Categorized in: Careers, Education, Training