Manufacturing Workforce
The demand for skilled workers in manufacturing is on the rise nationally, and within Brevard County. New re-shoring efforts, and an aging workforce, are leading to this increased need. However, the supply of talent entering the manufacturing sectors is decreasing, as interest in a manufacturing career is on the decline. The EDC is leading an effort to address critical issues and shore up the demand from the manufacturing sectors on the Space Coast through a program of work focused on developing:
Visit: www.ManufacturingInBrevard.org/CPT to learn more.
The Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast (EDC) has established the Manufacturing Talent Asset Pipeline (TAP) program to promote manufacturing careers and drive manufacturing skill development in Brevard County, Florida. Through the TAP program the EDC is offering tuition assistance to eligible applicants for the nationally recognized Certified Production Technician (CPT) manufacturing credential course offered through Eastern Florida State College (EFSC). This is a nationally recognized and nationally accredited course.
CPT Training Tuition Assistance Program – Provides eligible applicants discounted tuition or scholarships for the CPT training course. The program is accessible to eligible applicants including current manufacturing employees, veterans of the U.S. Military, recent high school graduates, EFSC students, and adults interested in pursuing a career in manufacturing.
The EDC’s CPT Tuition Assistance Program provides subsidized tuition to eligible candidates, reducing program tuition from $1,550 to $675. The cost of $675 includes costs of tuition, books, fees and supplies. This is made possible through funding by the Florida Department of Education. Program participants will be responsible for a $125 program fee. Scholarships are available. To be considered select the appropriate option in section 4 (Fee Responsibility) of the application. Scholarships will be awarded based on funding availability and applicant qualification. Any fees not covered by the tuition assistance program and/or additional scholarships will be the responsibility of the student or sponsoring employer. Additional fees may include course exam retakes.
Considering Changing Careers?
Need someone to help you assess your current skills? Or perhaps you already earned your CPT or other credential and need help with Job Search? Learn about the Employ Florida jobs database. Get connected to local help at CareerSource Brevard.
Evaluation process: Applications will be reviewed by an independent review committee and selections made based on funding availability and applicant qualification. Preference for full scholarships will be given to candidates not currently employed in manufacturing.
Award notification: Notifications will be made a minimum of two weeks prior to the course start date.
Course enrollment: Tuition Assistance recipients will be required to enroll in the CPT Course directly through EFSC by completing the registration.
Funding: The Tuition Assistance is extended to selected recipients in the form of direct payment to EFSC to reduce the cost of tuition. No funding will be directly distributed to the recipient.
Course participation: Tuition Assistance recipients agree to participate in course required activities such as pre-course assessment(s), manufacturing facility tour(s), classes, four exams, and work readiness session and end of course job fair (job fair participation is not required for incumbent workers employed in manufacturing).
Reporting: Tuition Assistance recipients agree to participate in survey reports conducted by the EDC during the course and for up to 12 months after course completion. These report(s) are required for evaluating the program and its effectiveness. The information captured in these reports will be reported out in aggregate to the grant funder, the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity.
Noncompliance: If the Tuition Assistance recipient does not complete the course and participate in the four exams, the scholarship recipient may be invoiced for 50% of the award, net 30.
Economic Development Commission of Florida’s Space Coast 6525 3rd Street, Suite 304 Rockledge, FL 32955 Phone: 321.638.2000
For information about CPT Training: CPT@SpaceCoastEDC.org Phone: 321.638.2000
