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educational asset like Manatee Technical
College, a nimble institution that is able
to react quickly to emerging workforce
needs. Workforce requirements,
particularly in advanced manufacturing,
change rapidly, as technologies are
implemented to improve efficiencies.
The new Advanced Manufacturing &
Production Technology program at MTC
will provide students with the necessary
foundation and skillset to be successful
in this sector.”
Maura Howl added: “MTC has industry
advisors making sure that we are
teaching what the community and
industries need. These advisors don’t
just talk about what the program should
be teaching, however, they actually get
involved in the instruction.”
On a recent day in September one such
advisor, Jeffrey Kondel, owner of Roots
Engineering Services, was working with
students from the program at their new
state-of-the-art robotics engineering
station. Asked why spending time working
with the students is worthwhile for him and
his business, Jeffrey said: “Well, I see how
passionate Gil and Manatee County are
about changing students’ lives and it’s
addicting. Plus, I went through a technical
program like this when I was young,
so giving back and helping students
learn from all my experience makes it
worthwhile for me personally.”
“On a professional level, I’m dedicating
resources and dollars to solve the skillsgap
problem, so I want to work with the
best (MTC), develop the students to be
the best, and in turn, make our local
companies the best. I guess, when all
is said and done, I’m just a part of the
dream to continue this circular ow of
educators, businesses and government
working together to make Florida better.”
More to Come…
The program is proving to be a great
success in a much-needed eld, but MTC
is not stopping here. In January 2019, they
will be adding a new component – the
Electrical Instrumentation Technology
course. Instructor Bill Lloyd explained that
the new course will educate students on
how to install, troubleshoot, and operate
the complex robotic systems that run
today’s manufacturing lines.
While many tasks that used to be
completed by workers are now done by
robotic equipment, that equipment still
needs to be programmed and operated
by skilled workers. Bill stressed how
in-demand these technicians are.
He said: “The community partners that
I’ve talked to, they all say ‘We’ll take every
student you have right now.’ There is very
high demand.”
With the Advanced Manufacturing and
Production Technology program – and
soon the Electrical Instrumentation
Technology course – Manatee Technical
College is fulfilling its commitment to
create the skilled workforce that Manatee
County needs.
Completion of the course prepares
students for certication and high-skill,
high-wage employment. And that skilled
workforce prepares our county for the
manufacturing industry needs of the future.