Big Bend Technical College recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new Advanced Manufacturing Training Center in rural Perry, Florida, marking a major milestone for workforce development, economic recovery, and regional resilience – inspired by LIFT. The new center reflects a multi-year effort to bring high-value, in-demand advanced manufacturing training to a community that has faced significant economic and environmental challenges.
The partnership that led to the facility began in early 2024, when Big Bend Technical College leaders connected with LIFT staff at a conference on Florida’s Space Coast. Following that engagement, Big Bend became an Operation Next partner delivering certification courses in welding, which were in extremely high-demand particularly after devastating hurricanes impacted local manufacturers. Operation Next in Florida is funded by the State of Florida and is focused on preparing transitioning service members, veterans, and civilians for careers in advanced manufacturing through industry-aligned training and credentials.
Local leaders were inspired to pursue funding and commit to building the new center after visiting LIFT’s facility and Learning Lab in Detroit. Seeing firsthand how a modern, industry-driven training environment could accelerate workforce readiness helped shape the vision for a similar capability in rural North Florida. Ground was broken on the facility in March 2025, with LIFT’s Chief Education and Workforce Development Officers Dr. Robert Shaner serving as a guest speaker at the groundbreaking ceremony. Construction was completed last month, and Dr. Shaner was invited back to speak at the ribbon cutting.
Designed to produce multi-skilled advanced manufacturing technicians, the facility will provide hands-on training aligned with the needs of modern manufacturers and the defense industrial base. During the ceremony, multiple dignitaries emphasized the importance of LIFT’s support, collaboration, and inspiration in helping Big Bend move from concept to reality.
The new training center plays a critical role in bringing advanced manufacturing opportunities to a part of rural Florida that has faced natural disasters and has experienced the long-term decline of traditional industries such as lumber mills. By creating pathways to skilled trades careers, the facility positions the greater Perry area for improved economic development, workforce stability, and long-term growth.Â
The Big Bend partnership stands as a clear example of the exponential impact Manufacturing Innovation Institutes can have on regional advanced manufacturing workforce development while simultaneously strengthening Florida’s defense industrial base.
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