More students choosing technical colleges as employers seek workers

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA (WINK) - As Florida employers continue to search for skilled workers, technical schools in Southwest Florida say more students are choosing a faster, often less expensive path into careers ranging from healthcare and construction to aviation and advanced manufacturing.

State labor data shows healthcare remains one of Florida’s fastest-growing industries, adding nearly 30,000 jobs over the past year. Education and health services as a whole added more than 36,000 jobs statewide, the largest increase among major employment sectors.

Local educators say that demand is helping drive interest in career and technical education programs.

At Cape Coral Technical College and Fort Myers Technical College, applications have increased 32% over the last three years, according to Cape Coral Technical College Director Charlie Pease.

“We’ve seen a 32% increase in enrollment applications over the last three years alone,” Pease said. “It’s really not, do students want to come here? It’s how do we get them into the seats.”

To help meet demand, Cape Coral Technical College is preparing to open a new 30,000-square-foot training facility this summer. The expansion will add welding, HVAC, construction and building trades, automotive service and marine service programs.

Pease said students are increasingly attracted to what the school calls a “career in a year” model, allowing them to earn certifications and licenses and enter the workforce in as little as six months to a year.

“I think one of the big things right now is what we call the career in a year model,” Pease said. “Students come and they get the hands-on skills. They earn the certifications and the licensures that are needed, and they’re out typically in six months to a year.”

Pease also believes perceptions about technical education have changed significantly over time.

“I think there used to be many years ago sort of a stigma with traditional vocational centers,” he said. “It’s a quicker, much less expensive option where students aren’t going into debt.”

Many programs cost less than $5,000 and students often qualify for grants or scholarships, according to the college.

For Katie Tischer, a student in Cape Coral Technical College’s Licensed Practical Nursing program, the decision came down to affordability, flexibility and the opportunity to begin her healthcare career sooner.

“This program here at Cape Tech, it’s a career in a year, so you get it done within a year,” Tischer said. “The cost is amazing, so you’re not having to spend a fortune going to school.”

Tischer plans to continue her education after completing the program but says the technical college route allows her to gain experience and enter the workforce while working toward her long-term goal of becoming a registered nurse.

“It’s great knowing that I’m always going to have job security,” Tischer said. “I want to take care of your grandparents, your parents. Giving back to the community is a huge thing for me.”

Healthcare remains one of the largest workforce needs in Lee County, according to Pease. He said employers regularly connect with students before graduation through clinical placements and industry partnerships.

“They’re coming in and they’re trying to identify students,” Pease said of healthcare employers. “They’re able to identify students who they’re going to ultimately offer a full-time job.”

Across the county line, Charlotte Technical College is seeing similar demand.

Dr. Brian Granstra, career and technical education director for Charlotte County Public Schools, said most adult education programs are currently at or near capacity.

“Our students are looking for a high-paying career within a short period of time,” Granstra said. “Most of our programs can be completed within a year.”

While healthcare and construction remain major workforce needs in Charlotte County, Granstra said aviation has emerged as one of the region’s most significant growth industries.

“The big needs in Charlotte County would be healthcare, construction and specific to Charlotte County is aviation,” Granstra said.

Charlotte County has invested heavily in aviation training, including new hangars at Punta Gorda Airport and Charlotte High School. The district is also expanding advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity programs while partnering with Space Florida to align training with future aerospace workforce needs.

“We were the first school district in Florida to be a Space Florida Space Academy school district,” Granstra said. “We really use that to have new programs that align to the needs of the aerospace industry because those are often the high-paying jobs for our students.”

Granstra said technical education is no longer viewed as a secondary option for students.

“The myth that you need to have a four-year degree is long past,” he said. “There are many options for students to become successful and to earn a high-paying job.”

Both educators say the goal extends beyond preparing students for employment. They see technical education as a way to help meet workforce needs while supporting Southwest Florida’s continued growth.