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Florida invests $430K to expand diesel mechanic program

‘The idea that every student needs a university degree to be successful is mistaken,” education official stated

Governor Ron DeSantis recently announced that the state granted $430,000 to a community college to expand a trade program.

The grant “funds a Diesel Systems Technology course to prepare a highly skilled workforce for in-demand occupations in the transportation, distribution, and logistics industries,” at Manatee Technical College, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

“Advancing Florida’s workforce continues to be a top priority for my administration and this program will further expand opportunities for Floridians to gain skills as diesel technicians — one of the state’s most in demand industries,” Governor DeSantis stated.

Every student does not need a four-year degree to succeed, an education official in the DeSantis administration stated in the announcement.

“The idea that every student needs a university degree to be successful is mistaken,” Henry Mack, senior chancellor in the Florida Department of Education, stated. “We know that programs like diesel mechanics and the other valuable programs at Manatee Technical College result in earnings that rival most baccalaureate programs. This is an exciting step for the region in promoting the value of a career and technical education.”

The Florida Department of Economic Opportunity has projected nearly 50,000 new jobs will be created in the transportation and warehousing industry by 2029. It’s considered the 6th fastest growing industry in the state.

The construction industry, which requires operators and mechanics for its equipment, is the 9th fastest growing industry in the Sunshine State.

MORE: College students value job-skills training over ‘elite education’

IMAGE: Aaron Huber/Unsplash

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