PBSC hosts AFC Region V Conference, Highlights Quantum Workforce Plans

Palm Beach State College used the Association of Florida Colleges (AFC) Region V Conference to showcase its plans to launch one of the nation's first workforce training programs for quantum technicians, positioning the college at the forefront of an emerging industry. 

The conference, held on PBSC's Lake Worth campus, brought together higher education leaders, faculty and staff from colleges across Florida to discuss the future of higher education, including artificial intelligence, workforce development and student success. 

Welcoming attendees, PBSC President Ava L. Parker, JD, emphasized the importance of collaboration as colleges prepare students for rapidly evolving careers. 

"Whether we're discussing artificial intelligence, student success strategies, ethical uses of technology, curriculum innovation, or workforce development, we're all exploring the same important question: How do we prepare students for a future that is changing faster than ever before?" Parker said. 

Kayley Patten, AFC deputy executive director, recognized the challenges facing Florida's colleges while thanking attendees for their continued commitment to students. 

"Every time that I am in a room with college professionals who serve students, serve their communities and do the work that you do, I am so inspired by you," Patten said. 

The conference also highlighted PBSC's efforts to build a quantum workforce pipeline. 

Luis A. Pentzke, EdD, associate dean for computer science and information management and the conference's keynote speaker, outlined the college's plans to create a workforce program that prepares students for careers in the rapidly developing quantum technology sector. 

"We're getting ahead of the industry," Pentzke said. "We want to be ready with our technicians for them to hire and to grow along with it." 

PBSC is establishing what Pentzke said will be Florida's first dedicated workforce training lab for quantum computing and the nation's second focused on quantum workforce education. The lab will provide students with hands-on experience using quantum technology while introducing them to the field without traditional barriers to entry. 

"Our vision is no prerequisites," Pentzke said. "We are going to open the field of quantum computing for everyone, particularly for our students." 

Parker said the college expects to begin producing quantum technicians as early as next spring. 

"We see companies moving to our community, and at this point, we've made a decision to not just wait, but to be ready and to be a part of the conversation very, very early on," Parker said. 

Dianne Valdivia, EdD, AFC president and associate vice provost and adjunct professor at Miami Dade College, said PBSC's initiative reflects how Florida's state colleges can respond to emerging workforce needs. 

"Hearing about the work that Palm Beach State College is doing is really exciting," Valdivia said. "I look forward to seeing when the new facility is available and seeing the impact that it's going to make on the profession." 

AFC Region V Director Daniel Alvarez said conferences like this provide opportunities for colleges to share ideas and learn from one another. 

"Everyone can help embrace new technologies, learn about them, share the perspectives we have here at Palm Beach State College with other institutions around the region and the state of Florida, and learn from the other institutions," Alvarez said. "We all share knowledge."