Building a workforce for the future

architectural rendering
This architectural rendering shows the $23.3 million Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center planned for Indian River State College. FLORIDA ARCHITECTS

IRSC building new Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center on main campus

As it has done so many times in the past, Indian River State College is prepared to anticipate tomorrow’s needs in education and workforce training with a much-needed new facility to help our region advance and prosper. The new 55,000-square-foot Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center, which links advanced technology and leading-edge industry training, will fulfill employers’ requirements and meet key areas of workforce need.

The $23.3 million industrial technology center will offer programs that emphasize modern workforce training in the era of smart manufacturing, automation and industry. Planned for a site adjacent to the Tomeu Center on Main Campus in Fort Pierce, the TCAMC will create a strong synergy with the nearby Kight Center for Emerging Technologies and the Brown Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.

“The new Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center is one of the College’s top priorities,” says Dr. Edwin Massey, IRSC president.

“This facility leads a new era in advanced manufacturing that will transform the region.”

The push for the new facility has been fueled by what Treasure Coast employers have been telling economic development and workforce professionals for some time now.

A 2017 study commissioned by the Economic Development Council of St. Lucie County noted that 94 percent of employers in the trades, and 62 percent of employers in manufacturing, report difficulty in filling positions. Pinpointing exactly where job needs and recruitment should coincide in the future, the study looked at both traditional trade occupations and newer technologies, among them “smart manufacturing,” where robotics and computer-controlled industrial equipment already are in use.

Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center
The new Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center will feature state-of-the art fabrication spaces and multipurpose, high-tech classrooms. FLORIDA ARCHITECTS

In addition to supporting hundreds of businesses in the IRSC service district, the Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center will be a nexus for growing interest in high-skill, high-wage careers. The facility will offer training in smart and additive manufacturing, as well as important industrial skills training programs for those seeking careers in heating and air conditioning, automotive technology, and advanced welding.

“Technology integration — from computer-aided design (CAD) and robotics to smart glasses and virtual training simulators — will be ubiquitous in every learning space in the Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center,” states Kevin Cooper, Assistant Dean of Advanced Technology. ”The facility will expand IRSC’s ability to produce degree, certificate and apprenticeship completers in high-demand industries.”

The Florida Legislature has awarded the Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center funding in three of the past four state budgets, totaling $10.7 million. The IRSC Foundation has committed to raising $3 million in donations from individuals and corporations to provide the advanced technology equipment needed to train students for these highly skilled positions.

The college hopes to receive the remainder of the funding in 2020. Once that money is received, construction could start immediately and be completed within 12 to 14 months.

“Naming opportunities are available for companies and individuals that wish to be a part of this exciting campaign to build the workforce for the 21st century,” says Ann Decker, executive director of the IRSC Foundation. “There are many ways — big and small — to support the Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing Center and leave your mark on IRSC, its students and our community.”

The IRSC Foundation is a 501(c)3 and your donation may be tax deductible. To learn more, contact Ann Decker at
772.462.4786 or adecker@irsc.edu.

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