Palm Beach Gardens Living - September 2025

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 5 | PA L M B E A C H G A R D E N S L I V I N G 11 EXPERT CONTRIBUTOR W ith a resurgent demand for construction and trades workers, industries are looking toward both a booming future and a projected shortage of qualified workers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics currently estimates that 400,000 manufacturing jobs are available nationwide. Moreover, Deloitte Consulting reports that more than 65% of manufacturing firms cite recruitment and retention of employees as their greatest challenge. Moreover, the industry could be looking at a need for nearly four million additional workers by 2033. An important distinction for the manufacturing industry is the myriad of skills needed. Today’s industry requires expertise with specialized and high-tech machinery, something that has changed over the decades and could entice younger workers who are needed to fill positions as others retire. With more than 1400 manufacturing companies calling Palm Beach County home, training and learning opportunities are here for young people to enter viable, well-paying careers in less time than you may think. Graduates from Palm Beach State College are earning nationally recognized industry certifications. At the same time, 80% of Palm Beach State students, who complete their programs, remain local, contributing to the community’s workforce. With that, Florida’s first two-year college is providing a vital classroom to career pipeline of highly skilled workers to industries throughout Palm Beach County. Hands-on labs and modern classrooms feature cutting-edge equipment and technology used in today’s workplace, giving students real-world experience. Initiatives made possible by the Foundation for Palm Beach State College and expert programming and academics are giving students hope with possibilities for their future. In fall 2025, Palm Beach State College is launching three new construction programs, supported by a $4.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Strengthening Community College Training Grants initiative. This four-year grant, which began in May 2024 and runs through June 2028, expands the College’s capacity to prepare students for high-demand careers in the construction sector. Palm Beach State is also one of five institutions selected to participate in a national impact evaluation to assess employment outcomes for students. The College aims to align its construction programs with regional labor market demands by working closely with local employers. Additional goals of the project include establishing advisory committees for all construction pathways and promoting interdisciplinary skills training. Those skills, industry partnerships, and the integration of new technologies are defining trades programs at Palm Beach State and benefiting the community. The College’s industry, manufacturing, construction, and transportation programs demonstrate Palm Beach State’s commitment to workforce development, with further initiatives in the works. Palm Beach State College is also taking its trades programs on the road. Powered by $1.5 million of generous funding from the Lowe’s Foundation, the College is extending these programs beyond the walls of its Education and Training Center at the Lake Worth campus—bringing trades on wheels to the Palm Beach Gardens campus. The expansion includes a fleet of trailers that function as mobile labs, providing a hands-on learning environment that mirrors the experience at the 150,000-square-foot Education and Training Center and ensures that students at Palm Beach Gardens receive high-quality training. With a nationwide demand for skilled trades workers, Palm Beach State finds itself at the forefront of both education through innovation and high-tech training to the benefit of Palm Beach County. How does the College support the community’s workforce? The equation is simple. Giving supports the College; College supports students; students support the community’s workforce – because of you and Palm Beach State, the cornerstone of Palm Beach County. Building the Future - By Dean Glorioso | Photos courtesy of PBSC - Marine Technology Manufacturing Welding Technology PBSC Plumbing