Florida reaches #1 in workforce education during CTE month

As PBSC students and faculty celebrated Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month in February, Florida achieved a major milestone in workforce training. Governor Ron DeSantis announced that the state now ranks No. 1 in the nation for workforce education.

In 2019, DeSantis set a goal of making Florida the nation’s leader in workforce education by 2030. The state reached that milestone five years ahead of schedule by investing in high-demand industries such as health care, technology, engineering and skilled trades.

“Florida has built an education system that delivers outcomes, opens doors to high-wage careers, and strengthens our state’s long-term prosperity. Workforce education is a crucial part of this effort,” DeSantis said. “We made historic investments in the career and technical education pathways that help young people prepare for in-demand jobs and attract investment to our state.”

That statewide commitment to workforce education is reflected at PBSC. The College offers more than 140 CTE programs, designed to prepare students for careers in fields such as health care, construction, manufacturing, cybersecurity and public safety. Students gain hands-on experience through internships with business partners, apprenticeships and technology-driven curricula.

“Florida leads the nation in workforce education because we focus on results. Many of our CTE programs can be completed in a year or less, enabling students to transition quickly into high-wage, high-demand careers,” said Kimberly Lea, PBSC dean of workforce education and development. “By aligning curriculum directly with industry needs and embedding hands-on learning into every pathway, we ensure graduates enter the workforce with both skill and confidence.”

 As industry needs evolve, PBSC’s CTE programs continue to adapt to stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies. PBSC has received nearly $7 million to support the creation of the Quantum Innovation Center, which will serve as a regional hub for workforce training in quantum computing and related high-tech fields. The center will feature advanced laboratory and co-working spaces designed to host startups, train students for a quantum-ready workforce and attract emerging technology companies to the region.

The College is also expanding innovation in health care education. Earlier this month, PBSC officially opened the Medical Simulation Suite, where nursing students engage in realistic patient care scenarios using AI-driven mannequins in a safe, controlled learning environment. This immersive, hands-on training ensures graduates are prepared to meet the evolving demands of today’s health care industry.

These investments reflect PBSC’s commitment to aligning CTE programs with the evolving needs of Florida’s economy. As the state continues to lead the nation in workforce education, the College remains focused on preparing students not just for today’s careers, but for the industries shaping tomorrow.

For more information about Career and Technical Education in Florida, visit GetThereFL.com.

To explore Palm Beach State’s career programs, visit Career Pathways website.