Gov. Rick Scott wants to give Florida technical centers $20 million to expand training programs.

Scott made the announcement Monday at the Mid Florida Technical Center, which is located at 2900 W. Oak Ridge Road.

The 2016 $20 million Technical Center Rapid Response Grant program at Florida technical centers will be included in Scott's proposed 2016-2017 budget.

"I'm pleased to announce that I will propose $20 million in funding for Florida's technical centers in my recommended budget," Scott said. "Our technical centers do a great job preparing students for a career in just one year. We know the workers of tomorrow are in our classrooms today, and advanced workforce training at our technical centers will help our students receive the skills they need to be competitive in the global market. It will also attract companies to our state looking for a high-skilled workforce."

The centers train individuals in dozens of high-skilled occupations, such as automotive technology, air conditioning, refrigeration and heating technology, cosmetology, dental and nursing assistance and welding.

Governor Scott addressed the students at Mid Florida Tech letting them know that as he travels the country trying to attract businesses to make their home in Florida.  Scott says one of their biggest concerns they have is whether Florida has a skilled workforce to work the jobs they offer and says making sure technical schools have the tools they need is key.

“We have about 275,000 job openings in the state right now. If you look at what’s exciting, I think every area of our state is growing. Every type of job is growing,” said Scott.

The governor says students who graduate programs like these are able to get well paying jobs in just about a year

There are five training locations in the Central Florid area. All of the locations also provide educational and career counseling services.


Gov. Rick Scott joined education leaders Monday, Oct. 12, 2015, at the Mid Florida Technical Center in Orlando to announce his proposed $20 million in funding. (Vincent Earley, Staff)