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Pensacola State College was represented by President Alex Kelly and Workforce Education Dean Mike Listau at the City of Pensacola’s Maritime, Aviation and Aerospace Working Group meeting on Oct. 30.
Pensacola State College hosted the City of Pensacola-led Maritime, Aviation and Aerospace Working Group on Oct. 30, bringing together leaders from education, workforce development, government and industry to address the region’s growing demand for skilled workers.
The meeting gave employers an opportunity to identify current and future workforce needs, discuss training challenges and explore collaborative solutions.
“We want to understand not just how many workers are needed, but what it actually takes to prepare someone to become a productive member of your workforce,” said City of Pensacola Economic Development Director Steve Baham, who facilitated the meeting with industry representatives from Birdon America, King Aero Management Corp, Offshore Inland Marine & Oilfield Services, SkyWarrior Flight Training and ST Engineering, among other local employers.
Representing Pensacola State College were President Alex Kelly and Workforce Education Dean Mike Listau. Other participants included representatives from CareerSource Escarosa, Escambia County Public Schools, Florida Department of Education, Florida State University, Florida’s Great Northwest, Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, George Stone Technical College, Global Business Solutions, Landrum, Northwest Florida State College, Space Florida, Triumph Gulf Coast, University of West Florida, the Town of Century and the City of Pensacola.
Industry representatives identified critical workforce needs in occupations such as structural steel workers, pipefitters, welders, mechanics, electricians, aviation and aerospace maintenance technicians and machinists. Additional concerns included employee recruitment and retention, industry-recognized certifications, workforce mobility and shortages in traditional trade skills.
The meeting is part of a broader initiative to prepare for significant projected job growth throughout Northwest Florida, including an estimated 2,000 jobs associated with Birdon America, 1,725 new jobs with ST Engineering, and additional opportunities with American Magic, BlueWind Technology, aerospace companies, maritime employers and related supply-chain businesses.
Strategies discussed for strengthening the workforce pipeline included apprenticeships, rapid credentialing and short-term training programs, on-the-job training, stackable credentials for advanced certifications and degrees, Workforce Pell-funded programs, and improved communication with students, parents and educators about local career opportunities.
Another prominent theme was the need for clearly defined career pathways that move workers from entry-level training into advanced technical, supervisory and leadership roles.
Listau highlighted recent changes to Workforce Pell funding that allow students enrolled in eligible short-term training programs to receive financial aid support.
“The beauty of Workforce Pell is that it provides funding for initial short-term skills training but also requires a pathway for earning a next-level degree or certificate,” he said. “That ties directly into a company’s goal of bringing in a quality entry-level employee and providing a clear path for advancement.”
Kelly said the Pensacola region is creating a workforce development model that could serve as an example across Florida.
“While we’re focused on this region, we’re literally leading this effort for the state,” he said. “What is happening in Pensacola, Escambia County and throughout the region is truly showing the way and is being seen by a lot of people.”
Kelly also emphasized the importance of creating structured, employer-specific workforce training pathways and agreements.
Pensacola Mayor D.C. Reeves described the meeting as an important first step in a long-term regional effort to align employers, educators and community partners around shared workforce goals.
Participants agreed that the region’s ability to build a skilled workforce pipeline will be critical to supporting business growth and creating long-term opportunities for residents. The ultimate goal is to develop efficient, effective and safe pathways into family-sustaining careers while preparing local workers to fill thousands of emerging jobs.