Choosing a career path—and the financial investment that comes with it—can be daunting. Students need assurance that their education will lead to in-demand careers, while businesses struggle to find qualified workers. Recognizing this, Daytona State College (DSC) and St. Johns River State College (SJRSC) have partnered with the local community to develop workforce programs that align education with industry needs.

Both colleges work closely with local employers to identify workforce demands and create associate degree and certificate programs that equip students with relevant knowledge and hands-on experience. These initiatives ensure graduates are prepared to enter the job market immediately.

Innovating with the Hospitality Beverage Science Program

Florida’s hospitality industry is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, significantly contributing to employment and economic activity. In 2023, Central Florida’s tourism industry achieved a record economic impact of $92.5 billion. In Volusia County, leisure and hospitality is the second-largest employment sector, averaging nearly 30,000 employees.

Understanding the significance of this industry, the Mori Hosseini College of Hospitality and Culinary Management is committed to offering multidisciplinary fields of study that produce skilled graduates ready for careers in hospitality. And to ensure it’s a valuable resource, the college collaborates with local hospitality groups to develop programs tailored to workforce needs.

“Hospitality is a hands-on industry, and we’re always exploring opportunities to meet the needs of our students and the industry,” said Costa Magoulas, Dean of the College of Hospitality and Culinary Management at DSC.

With the rise of craft beer and input from the local hospitality sector, DSC created a pioneering program in the state—the Hospitality Beverage Science program.

“When I approached our president about building a beer lab, he laughed,” Magoulas said. “But we were on to something. We developed an eight-course certificate program that was approved by the state and received a $1.2 million Perkins grant to build a brew pub.”

“We don’t just build classrooms; we create state-of-the-art labs,” he continued. “We were the first in the state to develop this program, and other colleges visited us to see what we were doing.”

The lab features a commercial brewing system and tasting area, immersing students in the beverage industry from production to management to service. Over 40,000 community members have been impacted by the program, with graduates securing roles throughout the county.

Building on its success, the college is considering expanding the program.

“We’re exploring the incorporation of winemaking,” said Magoulas. “Across all of our hospitality programs, we stay attuned to industry changes to ensure we remain a vital resource.”

Manufacturing Prep Accelerated Program: A Fast Track to Employment

Manufacturing is another key industry where education and business collaboration play a crucial role. Florida is home to nearly 25,000 manufacturing companies, and jobs in the field offer an average annual wage of $74,647, which is 17% higher than the state’s average wage across all industries. Despite its growth, the manufacturing sector faces a critical shortage of skilled workers, with companies striving to develop a workforce that meets evolving industry needs.

At SJRSC, the Manufacturing Prep Accelerated Program (MPAP) provides short-term, hands-on training for entry-level positions in manufacturing production and quality assurance.

“We continually network with local chambers and economic forums to assess workforce needs,” said Russ Berger, Director of Community and Corporate Education at SJRSC. “From there, we develop courses that prepare participants for in-demand positions.”

MPAP is structured to go beyond traditional learning, incorporating industry guest speakers and plant tours. The program is funded through Operation Next Florida, allowing a limited number of participants to enroll free of charge.

“This program succeeds because it creates direct connections with local employers,” said Berger. “Participants who pass the CPT certification exams also earn 15 credits toward an associate’s degree in engineering technology, providing both job readiness and a pathway to further education.”

To enhance accessibility, the college plans to adjust future program offerings based on community feedback.

“We’re looking to offer the next cohort at an alternate campus with afternoon and evening options to accommodate working individuals,” Berger added.

Strengthening Partnerships for Future Workforce Growth

Both DSC and SJRSC provide a variety of certificate and degree programs tailored to regional workforce needs. Their commitment to education and industry alignment benefits students and strengthens the local economy.

“We’re in a growth stage and focused on building partnerships,” said Berger. “There’s a lot happening right now.”

“As a local college, our mission is to help people enter industries where they can build successful careers,” said Magoulas. “It has evolved into something much greater.”

Through their innovative programs and deep community partnerships, DSC and SJRSC are not only addressing the immediate workforce demands of today but also laying the foundation for a sustainable, thriving economy that will benefit the region for years to come.