Career Technical Education Southwest Florida: Meeting a Growing Demand
Source: Adapted from Gulfshore Business
Southwest Florida’s rapid population growth has created an urgent need for skilled tradespeople. Ben Wilson, general manager of Suffolk’s Gulf Coast region, says the demand for qualified workers has never caught up to the opportunities available. Having started as a framing carpenter, Wilson understands how CTE programs can lead to life-changing careers. Similarly, Lisa DeCarlo of Structure Medical notes that graduates from machining programs often have multiple job offers waiting. Yet despite these opportunities, many students are still steered toward traditional four-year degrees, overlooking high-paying trade careers.
Breaking the Stigma Around Skilled Trades
The perception of career and technical education has shifted in recent years, but lingering stigma remains. Rob Harris of the Southwest Regional Manufacturers Association has long advocated for trades as a viable alternative to college. A ResumeBuilder.com survey found that 42% of Gen Z are already working in or pursuing a trade, driven by job security, earning potential, and avoiding student debt. Parents are also recognizing the value of CTE, encouraging their children to explore these pathways. As acceptance grows, so does the awareness that skilled trades can offer long-term stability and financial independence.
Charlotte County’s Role in Space Florida’s Workforce Vision
Charlotte County Public Schools is participating in the Space Florida Academy Program, designed to prepare students for careers in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and cybersecurity. Brian Granstra, director of CTE for the district, says the goal is to bring more aerospace manufacturing to Florida — and specifically to Charlotte County. High school programs in aviation assembly, avionics, and applied cybersecurity are giving students a competitive edge. A planned second campus for Charlotte Technical College near Punta Gorda Airport will expand these opportunities. This forward-thinking approach ensures local talent is ready for high-tech, high-paying industries.
Aligning Education with Industry Needs
Economic development leaders and educators in Southwest Florida are working closely to align training programs with real-world demands. Granstra regularly consults with Charlotte County’s economic development office to identify employer needs. FutureMakers Coalition reports that by 2031, 72% of Florida jobs will require education beyond high school, making CTE programs critical. The coalition’s goal is to ensure that 55% of adults have such credentials, positioning the region for sustainable growth. By providing targeted training, schools help students transition directly into in-demand careers.
Redefining Readiness in Local Schools
School districts across Southwest Florida are introducing career options as early as middle school. Lee County’s Ed Mathews emphasizes preparing students for careers that may not require a bachelor’s degree but still offer strong earnings. Programs in solar energy, robotics, and environmental water management reflect the evolving job market. In Charlotte County, new programs in advanced manufacturing and applied cybersecurity are already attracting interest. This early exposure allows students to graduate with a clear path forward, reducing debt and increasing workforce readiness.
High-Tech Skills for a Modern Workforce
Today’s skilled trades are more technical than ever. From aerospace clean rooms to construction sites using artificial intelligence, the work has evolved far beyond traditional perceptions. Suffolk’s Wilson points out that design and construction now include significant digital components. Space Florida’s Mike Miller notes that aerospace jobs often involve precision environments and high salaries. These modern realities are helping attract a wider, more diverse range of students to CTE programs.
Success Stories from Local CTE Graduates
Structure Medical has hired multiple graduates from local CTE programs, with some advancing quickly into leadership roles. DeCarlo highlights a former Immokalee Technical College student who rose from entry-level machinist to shift supervisor. Gender barriers are also breaking down, with more women pursuing careers in welding, firefighting, and electrical work. While industry leaders say more programs are needed, they agree that current efforts are producing strong results. Still, the challenge remains to replace retiring workers fast enough to meet demand.
CTE’s Role in Supporting Regional Growth
Southwest Florida’s population is projected to grow by nearly 300,000 by 2035, requiring over 13,000 new homes annually. These homes — and the infrastructure to support them — will depend on skilled trades. CTE graduates fill critical roles in construction, manufacturing, IT, and maintenance that keep communities running. Many also become entrepreneurs, starting businesses that further strengthen the local economy. Collier County’s Carlos Artime says CTE’s impact extends far beyond job placement — it builds self-sufficiency and economic resilience.
Hands-On Learning Through the Immokalee Foundation
The Immokalee Foundation’s Career Pathways Construction and Engineering Learning Lab offers high school students paid internships building homes. Partnering with BCB Homes, students gain hands-on experience in all aspects of construction while earning wages. The program also covers land development, marketing, and sales, with proceeds from home sales funding future projects. Since 2019, more than 3,300 students have participated, with dozens of local employers providing internships, mentorship, and certification opportunities. This blend of classroom learning and real-world application prepares students for immediate entry into the workforce.
Preparing for the Future of Work
Southwest Florida’s CTE programs are building a workforce ready for both current and future demands. As AI and automation reshape industries, these programs emphasize continuous learning and upskilling. Leaders like Tessa LeSage stress the importance of credentials as a foundation for lifelong career growth. By linking education directly to employer needs, the region is positioning itself as a hub for skilled talent. With collaboration between schools, businesses, and economic development offices, Southwest Florida is setting the stage for sustained economic success…