U.S. Army Research Office Awards $1.7 Million to TCC for Manufacturing Training Center

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (October 26, 2009) - Tallahassee Community College has received $1.7 million from the U.S. Army Research Office (ARO) to support a new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center, which, when completed, will provide job training and foster job creation in manufacturing and related cutting-edge technologies.

The new center will be established in collaboration with area manufacturers, the Economic Development Council of Tallahassee and Leon County (EDC), WORKFORCE plus , Inc. and the Center for Excellence in Advanced Materials (CEAM) at the Florida State University, in addition to other community partners.

“ This investment will have a strong, positive impact on the education and training of students, incumbent workers, and the economic development of our community,” said TCC President Bill Law.

Law added that the College is very appreciative of U.S. Rep. Allen Boyd’s leadership in making the award possible, as well as key support from U.S. Rep. Ander Crenshaw, U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and former U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez.

The new center will be managed by Dr. John Chapin, TCC Vice President for Workforce Development.

“We envision that the center will train TCC students and existing workers for good jobs at current manufacturers as well as new businesses that join our community as a result of recognizing that a highly trained workforce is being developed to meet employers’ needs,” Chapin said.

The Advanced Manufacturing Training Center will be located on the southwest corner of TCC’s main campus. Plans call for an existing building to undergo renovations in order to provide modern classrooms and instructional laboratories that will prepare individuals to succeed in high-skill, technologically advanced professions. The building will also provide incubator space to nurture businesses that have the potential to create jobs.