Indian River State College proudly announces that two Treasure Coast Advanced Manufacturing apprentices were recently recognized as the Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year at FABTECH 2024 in Orlando. Florida Makes, the national Manufacturing Extension Partnership center for the state of Florida, presented the awards.
FABTECH, established in 1981, has evolved into North America’s largest event for metal forming, fabricating, welding, and finishing. The 2024 conference in Orange County, Florida, spanned over 800,000 square feet of exhibits, featured over 1,500 exhibitors, education sessions, workshops, and technology pavilions and attracted 30,000 industry professionals from all 50 states and 70 countries worldwide.
Recruitment and retention of skilled workers remain critical challenges in the manufacturing industry. One effective retention strategy is recognizing employees for their dedication and contributions. Presented by Florida Makes, FABTECH celebrated the 2024 statewide Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year Awards apprentices who have made a positive difference in their workplaces and demonstrated an exceptional commitment to learning new skills for future career opportunities.
Pursuing their training at Indian River State College’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub, Jorge Pena, a mechatronics apprentice and FedEx Ground employee, and Gloria De Ponce, a CareerSource Research Coast industrial manufacturing technology apprentice and A1 Industries employee, were both recognized with this exceptional award. Pena and De Ponce were selected from nominees across Florida for demonstrating an outstanding commitment to their professional development and going above and beyond their normal duties.
The Advanced Manufacturing Hub is a collaborative effort to address the looming shortage of local workforce in precision machining, industrial automation systems, integrated smart factory operations, supply chain automation and logistics. The Hub offers a broad range of programs introducing critical knowledge and hands-on skills in areas enabling the growth and automation of Industry 4.0. the next phase in the digitization of the manufacturing sector.
“These awards shine a spotlight on the wonderful talent emerging from Indian River State College’s Advanced Manufacturing programs,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, president of Indian River State College. “We congratulate Gloria and Jorge on their recognition. They exemplify the bright future of American manufacturing.“
The Florida Manufacturer Apprentice of the Year Award recognizes active apprentices currently enrolled in or who recently completed a registered manufacturing apprenticeship program in the state. Nominees are evaluated on their positive impact on their employer, as well as their exceptional dedication to acquiring new skills and preparing for career advancement opportunities.
“The achievements of Gloria and Jorge are a shining example of how Indian River State College’s Advanced Manufacturing programs, in partnership with local employers, are delivering both the training and credentials needed to meet the demands of the industry. We congratulate Gloria and Jorge on this much-deserved recognition.”
Indian River State College’s Advanced Manufacturing Hub delivers accelerated programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. Courses cover automation, precision fabrication, prototyping, additive manufacturing, and other critical industry skills.
Congratulations to this year’s winners! Your hard work and dedication are paving the way for a brighter future in manufacturing.
For more information about Indian River State College’s Advanced Manufacturing programs, visit www.irsc.edu/programs/advanced-manufacturing-hub