PirateQ 
Moving from military life back into the civilian world can be tough for many U.S. service members.
Now, a new program at Pensacola State College will help transitioning military members – as well as veterans – learn valuable workforce skills at no cost.
The College has partnered with LIFT, a Detroit-based U.S. Department of Defense-funded national manufacturing innovation institute, to provide free training in welding and CNC – Computer Numeric Control – to transitioning military members, veterans, spouses and dependents.
It is estimated that nearly 2 million advanced manufacturing workers will be needed to fill positions in the United States by 2028.
“LIFT’s work in Florida, particular its partnership with Pensacola State College through Operation Next, will have a tremendous impact on our workforce and benefit our service members,’’ said PSC President Ed Meadows. “We look forward to Operation Next serving the Panhandle region and LIFT expanding its presence in the Sunshine State.”
PSC is one of only 14 locations across the United States where the Operation Next program is being offered.
The program was initially funded to serve only transitioning service members but was recently expanded to include veterans. Each year, about 200,000 U.S. service members transition out of the military.
Three veterans have applied for the program since it was launched a week ago, said Kelby Thornton, PSC Coordinator of Corporate Professional Development. Thornton said the program classes should begin in about two weeks and will include online and on-campus instruction.
Kelby Thronton
Students in the program will undergo training and then take final assessments to earn nationally portable, industry-recognized credentials and certifications.
“Pensacola State College has a proud history of serving military members dating back 75 years,’’ Thornton said. “Military veterans will be training our Operation Next exiting military students for credential that will enable them to go to work.”
For more information or to join the LIFT Operation Next program, contact Thornton at 850-484-1363 or kthornton@pensacolastate.edu.