Florida has been selected as one of seven locations nationwide to participate in a new NASA workforce initiative aimed at addressing shortages of skilled technical workers in the aerospace industry.
Space Florida announced Friday that it was awarded $1.5 million through NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement to establish Project ORBIT, a statewide program that will coordinate education, workforce training and industry needs. The funding will be distributed over three years through NASA’s Aerospace Skilled Technical Workforce Hubs program.
Project ORBIT will focus on developing workers across six areas tied to aerospace operations: aerospace, advanced manufacturing, construction, cybersecurity and information technology, logistics and semiconductors.
The initiative will bring together state agencies, workforce boards, technical colleges, universities and private-sector employers to identify needed technical skills and align training programs with industry demand. Partners will also work to expand internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning opportunities.
Space Florida said the program will target students earlier in their education by expanding aerospace career exposure for middle and high school students and increasing participation in relevant Career and Technical Education programs.
Project ORBIT also calls for the development of a statewide talent portal where students and workers can showcase credentials, technical skills and work experience to aerospace employers.
Space Florida President and CEO Rob Long said the initiative is intended to strengthen the state’s existing aerospace workforce pipeline while preparing workers for jobs being created by companies operating or expanding in Florida.
The program includes partnerships with organizations such as CyberFlorida, FloridaMakes, the Florida Semiconductor Institute and the Astronaut Memorial Foundation.
