Florida Education & Training Placement Information Program’s in Education System and Workforce Development

Florida Education and Training Placement Information Program (FETPIP) is a data collection and reporting system, established by Florida Statutes Section 1008.39,  that tracks the employment and earnings of students who have graduated, exited or completed a public education or training program within the State of Florida.

FETPIP conducts quarterly, staged follow-ups using unemployment compensation wage records for all workforce development program participants including those with an Engineering Technology (ET) associate degree (AS) and related manufacturing programs. Originally, through a state law - The Workforce Florida Act of 1996 - Florida has established a consistent set of core performance measures for all workforce education and training program areas. The data is collected through the FETPIP quarterly match process and supplemented through the annual comprehensive effort.

FETPIP has the statutory responsibility to provide to the State quarterly and annual performance reports to measure employment, job retention and earnings for participants in the WIA, Wagner-Peyser and Welfare Transition workforce development programs, reported at the workforce region and statewide levels. Florida law mandates the use of unemployment compensation wage records for these measures.

The 2022-2023 FETPIP data revealed a continued trend of success in the ET AS Degree programs across Florida with a total of 200 individuals, (total population reported for follow-up to FETPIP), completing the ET AS Degree program. This number represents 6.4% increase compared to 188 reported in 2021-2022. Of these total individuals 151 (76%) were found employed. The same percentage of employed participants was found on 2021-2022 with 139 (76%).  Regarding the annual income, the full quarter average annualized earnings for the ET AS Degree employed participants reported $60,608 representing a decrease of 1% ($61,236 ) when compared with the 2021-2022 reporting period. When comparing with other competitive related technologies like Aerospace ($62,504) and Electronics Engineering Technologies ($60,832), the ET AS degree program is still well positioned. Industrial management technology continues showing higher Average Annual Earnings ($65,248).

The data collected from year 2022-2023, which includes information regarding student graduates, completers or exiters from the Florida colleges offering ET A.S. degree with information resources available to FETPIP.

The FETPIP data is used to analyze employment and earnings outcomes, helping to assess the effectiveness of educational programs and inform future curriculum development. For the ET AS degree and related manufacturing programs, this data helps understand the job placement rates, salaries, and career paths of graduates. In addition, this data can be used for various purposes, including:

·        Assessing the effectiveness of public education and training programs

·        Providing information to students and parents to guide their career choices

·        Supporting accountability within the K-20 education system

·        Informing workforce development initiatives

·        Basis for a statewide outreach campaign for economically disadvantaged residents/students.

One of the key aspects to ensuring Florida’s economic success is the ability to educate for the future of work. This, in turn, requires the strengthening of the state’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs and pathways in view of developing a robust ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship, and cross-sector partnerships.

Program data from the Florida College System is provided at different levels. Data is displayed statewide by program level and by college by program level and can be found at “Florida College System Workforce Data”.

For more information about FLATE visit FLATE.org and https://www.fldoe.org/accountability/fl-edu-training-placement-info-program/.

Sophia Watson of the Florida Semiconductor Institute Wins 2025 FLATE Distinguished Manufacturing Partner Service Award

Congratulations to Sophia Watson, a seasoned leader in workforce development, currently driving statewide efforts at the Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI)! At FSI, she has implemented a comprehensive strategy to enhance semiconductor workforce readiness, from early education awareness to the creation of new industry certifications. She also facilitates collaboration across industry and education to align efforts and meet the growing demand for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing.

In 2013, as then Supervisor of Technical and Adult Education, Sophia introduced the Certified Production Technician (CPT) course to Hernando Adult Postsecondary Education, providing adult students for the first time with essential skills to enter the manufacturing workforce. In 2015 she and her team collaborated with the Iron Workers Union and local businesses to establish a thriving welding program that served both secondary and postsecondary students, addressing industry needs and expanding career opportunities for students.

She went on to establish Hernando County's first technical college, Wilton Simpson Technical College, with strong support from local businesses, legislators, and the community, launching over 20 new programs and securing over $19 million in external funding. In 2024, a CNC program was added to the newly constructed Wilton Simpson Technical College, equipping students with precision machining skills highly sought after in advanced manufacturing. To maximize resources and expand educational offerings, she negotiated a facility-sharing agreement with the state college, enabling the addition of its Engineering Technology program in the same classroom. This innovative collaboration created a seamless pathway for students pursuing careers in engineering and manufacturing technology.

Sharing How Chips are Made with H.S. Students

In her current role at the Florida Semiconductor Institute (FSI), Mrs. Watson plays a pivotal role in coordinating Florida’s manufacturing ecosystem. FSI’s efforts focus on aligning industry, education, and workforce development initiatives to strengthen the state’s readiness for emerging technologies, particularly in the semiconductor sector. The strength of Sophia Watson’s leadership has been in fostering collaboration across institutions, businesses, and organizations, paving the way for a robust, future-ready workforce and a stronger manufacturing sector in Florida and beyond.

Sophia’s professional memberships and awards include:

• ACE of Florida, Board member 2021-present
• South Brooksville Tax Redevelopment Advisory Committee, founding member, 2021 - present
• Hernando Economic Development and Aviation Technical Advisory Committee, 2020 – 2024
• Region 16 Workforce Development Board, 2022-2024
• ACE of Florida, President’s Award, 2023
• Greater Hernando Chamber of Commerce, Training Committee member, 2013 - 2021

Other contributions to manufacturing education and career awareness include:

• SACA Industry Certification Development, 2024
• FSI Professional Development Day for Educators, 2024
• Hernando Grown (educational event), 2020 -2023
• Hernando Workforce Summit, 2014

Watson has developed innovative partnerships with local governments and colleges to create training complexes and improve alignment with workforce needs. Her efforts included the successful management of state appropriations and federal funding initiatives, advancing organizational growth and impact. A proven collaborator and strategic thinker, Watson has expanded industry certifications, enhanced marketing efforts to raise program visibility, and contributed to economic development through key leadership roles on advisory boards. Watson continues to champion efforts that strengthen workforce pipelines, foster economic growth, prepare communities for the future and position Florida as a leader in advanced technologies.

Manufacturing education plays a huge role in building strong communities and keeping industries competitive. It gives people the hands-on skills needed to succeed in well paying, in demand jobs. For areas with thriving manufacturing sectors these programs create a steady flow of qualified workers, helping local businesses grow and boosting the economy. Manufacturing programs also open doors for students to jump straight into rewarding careers or move up the ladder in their fields. As manufacturing keeps evolving with cutting-edge technologies like automation and semiconductors, education programs ensure workers stay ahead of the curve. It's all about keeping our workforce prepared, our communities thriving, and our industries at the forefront of innovation. – Sophia Watson

Congratulations again to Sophia for her support of manufacturing education and career awareness! For more information on the FLATE Awards visit http://fl-ate.org/programs/flate-awards, or contact Ernie Friend, Executive Director of FLATE, at ernie.friend@flate.org.

Judith Deeley wins 2025 FLATE Distinguished Manufacturing Secondary Educator of the Year Award

Congratulations to Judith Deeley, Ed.D. for being a champion for all matters related to manufacturing and engineering technology education! Science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STE(A)M) education is a direct contributor to effective manufacturing education of today. For almost two decades, Dr. Deeley has made contributions to STE(A)M education that include:

• Leading high school (grades 9-12) programs in robotics and engineering achieving numerous industry certifications.
• Implementation and organization of engineering design, build and compete in a variety of categories land, air and sea.
• Coaching underwater robotics, drone Part 107, VEX and FIRST robotics with several teams and individuals winning regional, state and national awards as well as world competitions.
• Implementing the SkillsUSA workplace essentials and technical standards competitions.
• Inspiring students to continue in the engineering fields that are geared towards manufacturing whether they head to college, technical school, military or direct to career. 
• Leading a private k-8 school to become a fully accredited STREAM (includes religion) school.

Dr. Deeley obtained her masters in STEM education and a doctoral degree in Innovative Educational Program Development, both from the University of South Florida. She participated in a collaborative relationship with St. Petersburg Engineering and Technology division, serving on the board, taking coursework and participating in FLATE Summer Institutes to bring resources to students. Judith has presented at local, state and national conferences in mathematics and STEM, sharing ideas about the importance of STEM education and how to set up programs. She has written and received numerous grants to self-fund resources in technology for students.

Judith was honored as a 2025 Top Ten Teacher of the Year for Pinellas County Schools where she teaches engineering and robotics courses including:

• Foundations of Robotics: students learn fundamentals of a variety of areas of engineering fields, engineering design process and mechanical and electrical engineering, begin programming, build robots and underwater ROVs for competitions
• Robotic Design Essentials: students learn how to design and print using 3D modeling software and printers and continue with the engineering design process, continue programming, and competitions
• Robotic Systems: students learn programming and aeronautical engineering and part 107 and continue with prior content including competitions
• Robotic Applications Capstone: students utilize all education to participate in engineering design competitions and other robotics, and begin program logic controller

Judith believes that manufacturing education is important for increasing the number of employees with the necessary technological skill level, teaching workplace essentials and expectations, and providing awareness of career opportunities.

The manufacturers of today utilize more complex levels of technology, leading to the need for employees with knowledge of advanced technologies such as computer programming (to include AI), data analysis, electronics and robotics. There are not enough qualified people to fill the positions they already have open let alone those that will be needed in the near future.  In order to have a prepared workforce for the growing number of manufacturers and the diversification of the types of industries, it will be critical to ensure there are educational programs to teach these future employees the technical skills they need to function and be successful. -Dr. Judith A. Deeley

Dr. Deeley states that training cannot stop at the technical, that preparing future employees needs to include how to effectively communicate, solve problems and work in teams. She also stresses that it’s important to share with students the types of careers available in manufacturing since many may avoid manufacturing career paths because of a belief that these types of jobs are dirty and mostly manual labor. To this end, Judith has forged relationships with local manufacturers, setting up field trips for students to see what they learn in the classroom in action in the career field. She also recommended the creation of the career exploration summer camps at the high school level in Pinellas County, established a student-led aviation and aerospace club, and mentored students after school in robotics and engineering.

Watch these videos to learn more about how Dr. Deeley is supporting manufacturing education in Florida:

• Meet Teacher of the Year Finalist Judith Deeley
• The IT Factor - Inspiring Teachers - Dr. Judith Deeley
• Dunedin High School Robotics in the News

Congratulations again to Judith for her support of manufacturing education!  For more information on the FLATE Awards visit http://fl-ate.org/programs/flate-awards, or contact Ernie Friend, Executive Director of FLATE, at ernie.friend@flate.org. 

Brian Bell wins 2025 FLATE Distinguished Manufacturing Post-Secondary Educator of the Year Award

Congratulations to Brian Bell Ph.D., Lead Faculty for Biomedical Engineering at St. Petersburg College, for his contributions to promote manufacturing education! Dr. Bell teaches courses in engineering technology with a focus on biomedical engineering technology (also known as healthcare technology management). Brian is a Florida native who is working to advance his local community through education and innovation. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering at the University of South Florida and his B.S. in Physics at Stetson University. During his education, his research focused on optimizing the functional properties of polymer microfibers and nanofibers for smart filters, sensors, and flexible electronics.

Dr. Bell has worked with biomeds, educators, and technicians to create content and resources for the biomedical engineering technology learning community. He developed a cutting-edge biomedical engineering technology program, including a new medical device design and prototyping certificate, through a National Science Foundation grant. In 2024 he authored two books, Essentials of Biomedical Engineering Technology and Healthcare Technology Management and Medical Device Networking and Cybersecurity: A Technician’s Guide to Networking and Protecting Interconnected Healthcare Devices, to assist students in the field. Over the past 7 years, he created a YouTube channel offering free educational resources in electronics, medical technology, and engineering, which has garnered 4.8 million viewers and over 20,000 subscribers. Bell has also delivered presentations on interactive resources such as VR in technician education, medical device STEM kits, and building biomedical programs, sharing his work at multiple conferences and online platforms. In 2023, he served as a DOD STEM Ambassador, engaging with high school and college students locally.

“Manufacturing education is essential for transforming economic and societal systems, driving innovation and addressing complex challenges. It equips individuals with the skills to develop cutting-edge technologies, including medical devices, that improve lives. In the medical sector, local manufacturing enables faster access to advanced, affordable healthcare solutions, breaking down barriers to essential treatments and empowering communities. By fostering creativity and critical thinking, manufacturing education sparks the development of new technologies that streamline production processes, reduce waste, and lower costs. This ultimately leads to healthier, more sustainable communities, strengthens supply chains, and drives local job growth. Through a skilled workforce, manufacturing can tackle global issues and support equitable, inclusive economic growth.  - Dr. Brian Bell

At St. Petersburg College, Dr. Bell’s focus has been on guiding students through the intricacies of biomedical engineering technology, leveraging a PhD in Mechanical Engineering and a robust background in research. With the AMBIR Laboratory Research Group, his team has advanced the field of functional nanofibers, developing cutting-edge applications for smart filters and flexible electronics, underpinned by expertise in Matlab, research, and scanning electron microscopy. The team's dedication to innovation is shaping the future of medical device manufacturing, networking, and cybersecurity.

You can read more about Dr. Bell's work with students through these previous FLATE articles:

• Building Bridges to Healthcare with Hands-on Electronics Kits for Biomed 
• New Biomedical Engineering Technology program at St. Petersburg College

And learn more about the content and resources he has developed through his educational YouTube channel and website htm-workshop.com.

Congratulations again to Brian for his support of manufacturing education!  For more information on the FLATE Awards visit http://fl-ate.org/programs/flate-awards, or contact Ernie Friend, Executive Director of FLATE, at ernie.friend@flate.org.