North Florida College Celebrates CTE Month®
Career and technical education can address workforce needs, especially amid the current disruption
MADISON, FL. (February 2021) – The month of February is widely recognized as Career and Technical Education Month® by the Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) as an opportunity to celebrate the value, achievements and accomplishments of programs across the country.
North Florida College, along with the Florida Department of Education (FDOE) and its 28 Florida College System institutions and 48 technical colleges, will celebrate by sharing the stories of their students who have successfully graduated from CTE programs into rewarding careers.
“We are extremely proud of our NFC alumni and Career and Workforce Education programs,” said Rick Davis, Associate Dean of Economic Development and Workforce Education at NFC. "We invite anyone interested in advancing their career options to contact us. We are here to help."
In September, FDOE launched its workforce education initiative Get There, aimed at raising awareness of short-term career and technical education programs and highlighting $35 million in funding made available to state and technical colleges in the form of rapid credentialing grants. These grants were designed to increase Florida's capacity to enroll and graduate students quickly, to aid in accelerated recovery for residents and the economy.
“CTE Month provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the great work of our school districts and state colleges as they educate and help to prepare the future of Florida’s workforce,” said Henry Mack, Chancellor for Career, Technical and Adult Education. “With the pandemic impacting the lives of many residents, there is no better time to highlight how CTE can make a difference. CTE is equal parts engaging, exciting and transformative, and leads to better academic and employment outcomes.”
The current disruption has propelled the demand for CTE programs as many Floridians seeking reemployment are looking for opportunities to match their current skill sets to demand from employers. While the pandemic sparked a renewed focus on the importance of CTE, there are also opportunities to reach beyond those impacted and educate all Floridians about educational offerings available in the state.
“With CTE, there is something and somewhere for every Floridian,” shared Kathy Hebda, Chancellor of the Florida College System. “No matter age, ethnicity, educational background or employment and financial circumstance, we are committed to each student’s success and future, all while ensuring a talented workforce for our great state.”
At North Florida College, students can enroll in an in demand, workforce program, gain a credential quickly and affordably, and gain critical skills needed in North Florida’s essential and emerging industries. Programs include:
- Accounting Technology
- Business Administration
- Advanced Manufacturing and Production Technology
- Engineering Technology
- Commercial Vehicle Driving
- Early Childhood Education
- Emergency Medical Services
- Public Safety - Law Enforcement and Corrections
- Medical Coder/Biller
- Nursing
"The education and training that North Florida College has provided is going to take me further into my career," said NFC student Quadalupe Ponce. "There is so much support in this school. They want you to succeed."
"The online program was really convenient for me," said Patricia Roman, a recent graduate of NFC's online Medical Coder/Biller program. "You can work the coursework into your daily life."
“I like the smaller class size and the high standards of professionalism that the nursing program expects from its students," said Dane Boles, a student in NFC's registered nursing program. "NFC’s nursing program is affordable, and you can tell that the instructors care about your success."
To learn more about workforce programs and training available at North Florida College, contact the NFC Office of Career and Workforce Education at 850-973-9470 or email [email protected]. Visit www.nfc.edu/academics/programs-of-study for a full list of NFC programs and degrees.
Find out more about the Get There Florida workforce education initiative at GetThereFL.com.
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