PBSC celebrates the impact of career and technical education

Throughout February, PBSC students and faculty have joined others nationwide in celebrating Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month. This month is dedicated to highlighting and celebrating the value of CTE as well as the achievements and accomplishments of CTE programs throughout Florida. “Strong workforce development begins with strong partnerships. At PBSC, we work hand-in-hand with business and industry leaders to create cutting-edge CTE programs that empower students with the skills, certifications and experience they need to succeed,” said Kimberly Lea, PBSC Dean of Workforce Education and Development. “CTE is more than just education—it’s a launchpad for opportunity. By integrating the latest technology, hands-on learning and industry insights, we are shaping the next generation of skilled professionals who will drive Florida’s economy forward." In 2019, Governor DeSantis set a goal to make Florida the nation’s leader in workforce education by 2030. As the third most populous state and home to the 14th largest economy in the world, Florida is attracting high-demand industries such as healthcare, technology, engineering and skilled trades. CTE plays a key role in addressing workforce needs in these growing industries, which often offer competitive salaries and opportunities for advancement. CTE programs are affordable and can typically be completed in a year or less, providing students with a clear path to high-wage careers. According to the Business Development Board of Palm Beach County, the healthcare/life sciences industry has the highest number of jobs, with 99,726 positions and an average salary of $74,364. Other top industries in the county include manufacturing, with an average salary of $85,421, and construction, with an average salary of $60,365. As these industries continue to grow, there will be an increased demand for skilled workers. PBSC’s CTE programs in nursing, advanced manufacturing, welding technology, building construction and HVAC are among the programs that can help meet these needs. PBSC is a leader in workforce education, offering more than 140 CTE programs designed to prepare students for careers in fields such as healthcare, construction, manufacturing, information technology and public safety. These programs provide students with hands-on experience through internships with industry partners, apprenticeships and technology-driven curriculums. As instructors help guide CTE students toward successful careers as skilled professionals, students benefit from these practical learning opportunities with real-world applications. PBSC’s CTE programs are adapting to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies. The Panther Advanced Technology Hub, a new PBSC initiative, will provide a centralized hub for industry leaders driving innovation in air, land and sea technologies. These innovation labs will prepare CTE students for careers in high-demand and emerging fields and will give students the competitive edge needed to excel in Florida’s workforce. Florida has over 800,000 K-12 CTE students, 480,000 postsecondary CTE students and more than 22,000 registered apprentices and preapprentices. Postsecondary students can enroll in CTE programs at any of Florida’s 48 technical colleges and 28 state colleges. For more information about Career and Technical Education in Florida, visit GetThereFL.com. To explore Palm Beach State’s career programs, click here.