One man’s dream is coming true…with the help of his friends. I vividly remember when Ted Astolfi, CEO of the Martin County Economic Council, attended a Hobe Sound Government Action Committee meeting about a year ago. I recall that he was uber enthusiastic. He had a plan. Ted wanted to create a vocational learning facility in Martin County.

No epiphany. Most people know Martin County is sorely lacking in vocational training facilities. Now that parents are realizing that not every kid is meant for college; now that the trades are screaming for trained employees; now that people are feeling the consequences of the lack of those services; now that students are realizing they can make good money (really good money) with a vocational skill; and now that they realize they don’t want to be shackled with exorbitant student loan debt right at the beginning of their working careers, the retort to the stigma attached to lacking a degree has become “No, I was too smart to attend college”. 

So, Ted contacted IRSC and George Stokus (Asst. County Administrator) and a plan was hatched. Ted had identified an old building at the Stuart airport which the County will donate. Indian River State College agreed to pitch in by teaching the courses which will not only certify students in certain trades, but offer a pathway to a higher degree if necessary. (For example, some types of pilots have to have a BA as well as a certificate.)

The typical student at this facility would be an adult who is, as Ted describes, “underemployed”.  Maybe working at a fast-food restaurant when, with proper training, they could be working at a manufacturing facility. The hours they would attend classes will correspond with their needs so they can keep their current jobs. Aviation industry specific English will be taught to help them land jobs in the aviation industry. 

How will the facility find the students? With the help of House of Hope and United Way. Two Martin County organizations happy to help. 

This will be the first facility of its kind in Martin County. It will certainly be a valuable asset to all of us directly or indirectly. The icing on the cake…it will be funded by federal grants. No county taxes will be used.  REACH as it is called (Reimagine Education and Career Heip) will start with 60-90 students.  I bet it will grow rapidly. Since the building is existing, only interior renovation and a new roof stand in the way of the opening. (I do hope they paint the exterior…just a suggestion.) Ted thinks by the end of this year they could cut the ribbon!

IRSC will determine which certificates will be offered. Area businesses are currently being interviewed to determine pragmatic need. 

I just can’t find a downside to this. Local organizations helping local young adults to lift themselves up or “upskill” as Ted describes it, to enhance the work force of local businesses. So, they will be locally employed and as Ted pointed out ‘They will eventually move out of the scarce housing that is affordable and make way for others who need it.’ A welcome unintended consequence.

This effort just makes me proud to be a Martin County resident and I wish all involved God’s speed!

Darlene VanRiper