Manufacturing the future: Engineering technology powers workforce readiness

With the advancement of manufacturing as a key contributor to Florida’s economy, the demand for highly skilled technicians with training in automation, robotics and advanced technologies continues to grow. At Seminole State College of Florida, students in the engineering technology program are being prepared to meet that demand with the workforce-focused training needed to succeed in today's rapidly evolving manufacturing and engineering industries.

With Florida currently ranked in the Top 10 for manufacturing, the Florida Chamber of Commerce reports that the state is aiming for a Top 5 ranking for manufacturing jobs by 2030. During Manufacturing Month, Seminole State is highlighting investments that ensure students train with industry-relevant equipment and technologies while developing the critical thinking, problem-solving and technical skills employers seek. Recent funding through the Perkins Grant, industry partnerships and the Florida Job Growth Grant has supported equipment upgrades and upcoming lab renovations to prepare students for careers in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and engineering-related fields. These enhancements strengthen Central Florida’s talent pipeline while providing students with direct pathways to high-demand careers.

“We have a booming engineering technology industry in Central Florida,” said Jesse Carreiro, professor of engineering technology at Seminole State. “We have the Space Coast which is thriving so close to us as well as an emerging semiconductor industry right here in Central Florida, so there are so many opportunities to take this knowledge and make a career out of it.”

Connecting Education to Workforce Needs

Preparing students for success in an ever-changing industry requires training that keeps pace with new technology and modern workforce trends. Seminole State continuously collaborates with employers to ensure students are learning the skills needed in today’s manufacturing environments.

Recent investments include equipment that supports robotics and automation training, such as FANUC and KUKA six-axis robotic arms equipped with industry-standard teach pendants, allowing students to gain experience with technologies increasingly found in advanced manufacturing facilities.

“I really like that the stuff I’m learning here just applies immediately to real-world application,” said Jacob Patton, a student in Seminole State’s Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology. “My favorite part about it is that that tablet [teach pendant] is the exact same one used in the factories…if I unplugged it and plugged it into the exact ones at a factory, it would work exactly the same. There would be zero differences.”

Developing the Engineering Mindset

In addition to giving students access to updated training tools, Seminole State is using grant funds to expand instructional spaces, including three fully remodeled labs that will support hands-on learning and workforce preparation in robotics, automation and 3D printing. Through relevant coursework, laboratory experiences and industry-focused training, students learn how to operate, troubleshoot and maintain the systems that power modern manufacturing.

“Some of the overarching, general skills that we’re teaching, especially in all of our hands-on courses, is troubleshooting ability,” Carreiro said. “Things are not always meant to work on the first try. Engineering in general is what we call an iterative process. Things don’t work perfectly the first time, figure out why, fix it and run it again, and you keep doing that until you’re happy with the result.”

That opportunity to train, try and try again in an environment that mirrors workplace settings is part of how Seminole State helps graduates enter the workforce prepared to contribute from day one.

As Manufacturing Month celebrates the innovation and ingenuity that drive economic progress, Seminole State remains committed to providing high-tech training that meets workforce needs today while preparing students for the opportunities of tomorrow. Through continued investment in facilities, technology and industry partnerships, the College is helping prepare the next generation of skilled workers and problem solvers who will support the advancement of the manufacturing industry in Central Florida and beyond.