In Progress
Aviation & Aerospace
Workforce Development
Aviation & Aerospace Talent Pipeline Development
Talent Development is the number one issue around the globe.
Legacy industries in Martin County include Aviation and Marine industries. In 2017 the Economic Council identified an existing, vacant building located at Witham Field known as building 17 that could be renovated into a workforce training center. The Economic Council, working with the Martin County Commission, Staff and community leaders identified the funding sources and appropriate operating partners to turn this vacant, county owned building into a training center for our community
Collaborating and aligning with the education system is critical in creating an efficient and direct pipeline of talent to the aviation & Aerospace industry.
Meeting that projected long-term demand will require a collective effort. As tens of thousands of pilots, technicians and cabin crew members reach retirement age over the next decade, educational outreach and career pathway programs will be essential to inspiring and recruiting the next generation.
And airports support our economy. This has recently become more evident with over 50% of the jet aircraft now claiming Witham Field as their ‘Home Airport”.
Outdoor Aviation Education Center
Pre-K - 8 Years Old - Elementary School
The Outdoor Aviation Educational Center will help to spark a child’s interest at an early age.
Playground equipment will have airplanes and a climbing structure with slides that look like a control tower.
Covered picnic “hanger” sized to accommodate two school buses of children for field trips to learn from retired educators and others about aviation and aerospace.
Educational panels will be located on the playground equipment.
Educational panels will be located along the perimeter walking path and each will have a QR Code that will read the sign out load for those with visual limitations.
Seating that is reminiscent of that found in airports will also be incorporated into the design.
Aviation influences start early in Martin County; JD Parker School of Technology now includes a Flight Simulator in its technology curriculum.
SUA Aviation Fund is a Community charitable fund developed in partnership with the Economic Council of Martin County. Donations can be made HERE:
The facility Groundbreaking Ceremony was held on-site on March 1, 2024; look for information on the GRAND OPENING CELEBRATION in December, 2024!
Career & Technical Education (CTE)
9 - 14 Years Old - Middle School
School District CTE programs and industry tours have been developed along with not-for-profit programming to address the learning and career exploration needed at this age.
For example, the Palm City Chamber of Commerce has taken the lead in developing a career exploration program with each of the five Chambers of Commerce being responsible for a Middle school in their respective regions.
An annual event "Explore My Future" will be held at the middle schools for all 8th grade students where they will explore related educational pathways, high school CTE programs and become acquainted with local businesses and future careers.
Another example of the not-for-profit involvement is the Virtual Reality Drone Project being conducted at the Boys and Girls Clubs of Martin County.
Stuart Middle School now offers Embry-Riddle’s Aerospace SMART@ER Course designed to expose and inspire middle school students to various opportunities in aerospace and technology themed careers. The course visits topics in cybersecurity, general aviation, unmanned aircraft systems, rocketry, and engineering.
High School CTE & Not-for-Profit programs
15 - 18 Years Old - High School
Since the fall of 2021, the Martin County School District has developed and launched a thriving aviation & aerospace CTE program at the high school level at Spectrum Academy.
Jensen Beach High School now offers an Embry-Riddle / JROTC partnered Flight Academy program for pilot training and licensing. This 7–8-week program is worth $25,000-$28,000, and there is no service commitment or payback of any kind.
The CTE program combined with an increase in internships, pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships (in alignment with SB 366 and the REACH Act), as well as the addition of other programs offered by the not-for-profit community will add to this talent pipeline.
IRSC & REACH Center Programs
Post Secondary & Continuing Education
Lastly, education after high school and continuing education for those adults looking to train, upskill, retrain or maintain certifications. Curriculum will include Industry specific language for aviatin, marine & manufacturing training designed for both ESL students and those wit Enghlish as their primary language.l
This segment will occur primarily in the REACH Center. Formerly building 17 at Witham Field and will bring together Indian River State College, CareerSource, Industry and not-for-profits to Reimagine Education And Career Help. (REACH)
- The REACH Center will strengthen the foundation of our local economy.
- Act to fix the plumbing with the creation of a vital segment of our aviation and aerospace talent pipeline.
- Open more doors to job opportunities through the creation of a central location for job access and training.
- The Center will implement the “no wrong door” policy with a common intake and case management system.
Co-locating small, satellite offices of IRSC and Career Source Research Coast under one room at the REACH Center will increase efficiencies through coordination of performance expectations, training, and outcomes
Workforce Development
Indiantown High School (IHS) is a new public charter high school in Martin County, Florida, focusing on college preparedness and career and workforce education.
Operated by Indian River State College (IRSC) in partnership with the Martin County School District, IHS integrates traditional high school curriculum with workforce and college courses, producing graduates that can directly pursue career opportunities or higher education upon graduation. With smaller class sizes, college-style block scheduling, and our Pathfinder Advisory, we are uniquely equipped to meet the needs of all learners!
Learn more: https://tcmakers.com/
