FSU InSPIRE Aims to Activate Advanced Manufacturing Workforce with Unique Teacher Training Approach

Northwest Florida teachers and students are being encouraged to engage in a cultural shift in perception: the advanced manufacturing careers of today are a far cry from yesterdays. Florida State University’s InSPIRE (Institute for Strategic Partnerships, Innovation, Research & Education) is doing its part to reshape the region’s understanding of the safety, security, and profitability now available to local residents in the advanced manufacturing space.

To help drive this cultural shift, FSU InSPIRE offers free continuous learning opportunities for educators with an industry informed curriculum and expert, real-world speakers. Week-long courses culminate in industry certifications with the aim of stimulating student interest in engineering and bolstering a highly skilled, local workforce. Curriculum is created and delivered by FSU’s Learning Systems Institute and tailored for the growing aerospace and advanced manufacturing sectors in the region. The initiative is funded by Triumph Gulf Coast and FSU.

"Education is a huge part of our vision for this area of Florida," said FSU InSPIRE Executive Director, Drew Allen. "When we envision a thriving hub of innovation, we know that a strong and talented workforce is absolutely essential. One of our goals is to attract industry here, and we know that an available and skilled pool of talent is one of the main requirements they need. Not only are we committed to building that workforce, we are making sure that the businesses we attract are supplying high-paying career opportunities from technicians to professors and beyond."

According to the 2023 Florida Manufacturing Report by Florida Commerce in collaboration with FloridaMakes, as manufacturing jobs continue to be reshored to the United States from global markets, Florida is poised to become one of the top five manufacturing states by 2030. Plus, based on data published by Florida Commerce’s Bureau of Workforce Statistics and Economic Research, manufacturing jobs pay higher wages than those in other industries. The 2022 average annual wage for workers in the manufacturing industry cluster ($74,647) exceeded the average annual wage for all industries ($63,811) by $10,835, nearly 20% higher.

“This is very exciting for students, teachers and families living in Northwest Florida,” said Co-Director of STEM Outreach for FSU InSPIRE Carrie Meyers. “Students of today can benefit from highly trained teachers who can help steer them onto strategic career pathways, but educators can do this only when they know what the required skills and talents are that need to be encouraged and practiced in their classrooms. These pathways are informed by advanced manufacturing and aerospace developments in the region, but also by expanding industries and entrepreneurial opportunities. We anticipate that these efforts will have a generational impact in the area, providing lifelong career opportunities that just weren’t here before.”

Earlier this year, Florida State University and five Northwest Florida state colleges joined forces to provide educational support for projected growth in industries including aerospace, advanced manufacturing, and health care. Representatives from FSU, Tallahassee State College, Gulf Coast State College, Chipola College, Northwest Florida State College and Pensacola State College signed a memorandum of understanding to meet the educational needs of students.

Vital to this agreement is the future facilities of FSU InSPIRE, which is committed to grow the number of engineering graduates in Panama City over the next decade, with funds also dedicated to onsite STEM outreach and active mentoring. FSU will work with the other colleges to teach and retain the skilled workforce that supports a hub for aerospace and advanced manufacturing, among other key industries in the region.

Jim Reynolds, co-director of STEM Outreach at FSU InSPIRE, added, “These initial courses focused on equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills needed to prepare their students to be ready for high-demand jobs in these growing industries. But we also have a long-term vision to implement a method of workforce preparation that can eventually serve as a model for other regions as the country continues to reshore manufacturing and other industries.”

The educational outreach program is a significant component of InSPIRE. As part of a 10+ year commitment to Northwest Florida, InSPIRE is launching accumulative workforce training and education programs with a focus on advanced aerospace and manufacturing sectors, ensuring a lasting impact on the region’s economic and educational landscape.

"Professional learning through InSPIRE gave me a chance to grow as an educator while also supporting others in developing the confidence to explore AI with their students," said Anna Prindle of Holley-Navarre Intermediate School, who completed several professional development courses and now serves as a teaching facilitator. "We weren't just facilitating the learning about technology. We were modeling the mindset of curiosity, flexibility and resilience that we want our students to carry into the future."