FLATE Partners with Statewide Consortium to Prepare Florida's Next Generation of Advanced Manufacturing Technicians

Introducing SMART FL

Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) is leading a newly formed statewide consortium, SMART FL (Statewide Manufacturing and Applied Responsive Technician Education in Florida), submitted to the National Science Foundation's Advanced Technological Education (ATE) program under its Track 3 Consortia for Innovations in Technician Education. Building on FSCJ's track record of 13 prior NSF ATE awards totaling over $7.5 million, SMART FL brings together five Florida College System institutions, the University of Florida, and industry partners representing more than 300 companies to modernize Engineering Technology education across the state.

Why It Matters

Florida's manufacturing sector grew nearly 68% between 2014 and 2022, and the state is on pace to become one of the nation's top five manufacturing states by 2030. That growth is being driven by automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, and a resurgence in domestic semiconductor production — but Florida's community colleges are not yet graduating enough technicians with the skills employers need. Demand for skilled semiconductor and advanced manufacturing technicians is running roughly 40% ahead of the students being prepared to fill those roles, and nearly half of today's manufacturing workforce is expected to retire or leave the field by 2030. SMART FL was designed to close that gap before it widens further.

A Statewide Consortium

SMART FL is led by FSCJ's Department of Engineering and Technology, in partnership with:

•  Daytona State College – developing AI in Manufacturing modular curriculum content

•  Palm Beach State College – designing and scaling Raspberry Pi–based automation labs

•  St. Petersburg College – hosting statewide faculty professional development events

•  State College of Florida, Manatee–Sarasota – leading Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) training

•  University of Florida – leading micro-credential design, applied research, and program evaluation

FLATE will serve as the statewide backbone for coordination, dissemination, and faculty professional development, working alongside strategic collaborators including Florida's Statewide Engineering Technology Industry Advisory Board (SETIAB), the Florida Semiconductor Institute, FloridaMakes, CESMII (the Smart Manufacturing Institute), CareerSource Florida, and NSF's National Center for Next Generation Manufacturing (NCNGM). SETIAB in particular will play a central role, serving as the statewide forum where employer-validated skills and competencies identified through local Business & Industry Leadership Team (BILT) meetings are reviewed before being advanced to the Florida Department of Education for adoption into Engineering Technology curriculum frameworks.

Goals of the Project

•  Goal 1: Strengthen education–industry partnerships to align technician education with emerging smart manufacturing workforce needs, including a formal statewide partnership with CESMII and statewide implementation of the BILT model.

•  Goal 2: Modernize and expand curriculum and pathways in semiconductor, AI, and smart manufacturing across the Florida College System, including new AI in Manufacturing course modules and stackable micro-credentials.

•  Goal 3: Build statewide faculty capacity through hands-on training equipment and a three-level PLC professional development sequence, expanding access to experiential, skills-based instruction for at least 300 students during the project period.

Expected Impact

At least 300 students are expected to benefit directly during the four-year grant period,and 68 Florida faculty will be trained in smart manufacturing, AI, and PLC instruction — expertise they will carry forward to reach thousands of additional students in the years ahead. Project deliverables include over 200 products such as curriculum frameworks, training modules, stackable micro-credentials, and hands-on labs, all disseminated statewide through FLATE, SETIAB, and the semi-annual Engineering Technology Forum, and nationally through ATE Central, CESMII, and the NSF ATE network.

SMART FL represents a significant, coordinated step toward ensuring Florida's Engineering Technology programs — and the industry partners and boards like SETIAB that help shape them — keep pace with the rapid evolution of smart manufacturing, AI, and semiconductor technologies.

SETIAB Welcomes Newly Elected Leadership Team

The Florida Statewide Engineering Technology Industry Advisory Board (SETIAB) was created in Spring 2023 to engage Florida manufacturers with the state colleges that offer two- and four-year degree programs in Engineering Technology (ET). SETIAB's goal is to ensure that the more than twenty ET programs across the state continue to meet the rapidly evolving needs of industry, to raise the visibility of the skills and competencies of program completers, and to elevate awareness of the A.S. and B.S. Engineering Technology degree programs statewide.

As SETIAB continues this important work, the board is proud to introduce its newly elected Chair, Vice Chair, and the continued support of the Secretary, who will help lead the organization into its next chapter.

New Chair: Joe Corley

Joe Corley, the newly elected chair of SETIAB, is a seasoned manufacturing executive with extensive leadership experience in quality and operations. Prior to his retirement, he held management roles in both large and small organizations, where he focused on building high-performing teams, driving product excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Throughout his career, he demonstrated a strong ability to identify and implement data-driven process enhancements by collaborating effectively with employees and drawing on operational best practices.

Deeply committed to developing the next generation of skilled tradespeople, Joe serves on multiple boards dedicated to strengthening connections between education and industry. These roles enable him to support initiatives that prepare future employees and leaders for careers in manufacturing, logistics, and distribution.

New Vice Chair: Kon Champavannarath

Kon Champavannarath, the newly elected vice chair of SETIAB, is driving digital transformation across healthcare and manufacturing. After serving 13 years in healthcare IT leadership, followed by a decade as Chief Information Officer in manufacturing, he now leads Operational Technology for a Fortune 500 wood products manufacturer.

Throughout his career, Kon has focused on aligning technology with business strategy, helping organizations improve safety, productivity, and profitability through automation, data-driven decision-making, AI, and smart manufacturing initiatives. He is passionate about bridging the gap between executive leadership and technology teams, demonstrating how technology investments create lasting business value through operational improvement rather than implementation alone.

Kon is an advocate for developing future leaders and frequently shares insights on digital transformation, manufacturing innovation, leadership, and operational excellence.

Continuing as Secretary: Vincent Harmon

Vincent Harmon is continuing as the Secretary of SETIAB. Vincent serves as Senior Manager of Operational Excellence at Coca-Cola, bringing valuable industry experience to the board's record-keeping and administrative leadership.

Board Members

SETIAB's leadership is supported by a dedicated group of board members representing manufacturing, workforce development, and education across Florida:

•  Abraham (Abe) Alangadan – CEO, Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

•  Mike Aller – Vice President, Manufacturing Intelligence & Programs, FloridaMakes

•  Robert “Bob” Blevins – Assistant Director, Office of Career and Technical Education

•  Peter Cirak – Vice President of Quality, Seal Dynamics

•  James Gillard – Regional Human Resources Manager, Stellar Energy

•  Jessica Lovatt – President & CEO, Volusia Manufacturing Association (VMA)

•  Chris Nelson – President, Machine Technology Manufacturing

•  Josette Twait – Assistant Director of Career & Technical Education

Congratulations to Joe, Kon, Vincent, and all of SETIAB's board members. The board looks forward to continuing its work strengthening the connection between Florida's manufacturers and the state's Engineering Technology degree programs.

60th Annual FACTE Conference Celebrates 100 Years of Career and Technical Education Leadership

The 60th Annual FACTE Conference & Trade Show, held July 12–15, 2026, at the Renaissance Orlando at SeaWorld in Orlando, welcomed approximately 700 career and technical education (CTE) professionals from across Florida to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Florida Association for Career and Technical Education (FACTE).

The four-day event featured more than 140 professional development sessions, a vibrant trade show with nearly 50 exhibitors, networking opportunities, and recognition of outstanding educators and partners dedicated to advancing Florida's workforce. The conference brought together educators, administrators, industry leaders, and workforce professionals committed to preparing students for high-demand careers.

The FAITE and FAA Divisions kicked off the conference with a pre-conference tour of Lake Technical College, where participants explored the Advanced Manufacturing and CNC labs, learned about emerging workforce programs, and participated in a panel discussion on future workforce opportunities.

As a longtime partner, FLATE was proud to collaborate with FACTE and the Florida Association of Industrial and Technical Education (FAITE) in delivering professional development that strengthens manufacturing and engineering technology education across the state.

FLATE and FAITE also coordinated five conference sessions covering timely topics including:

• AI's Impact on CTE Teaching
• Ensuring Continuity in CTE Programs During Instructor Transitions
• Award-Winning Approaches to Technical & Industrial Education featuring the 2026 FLATE Award Winners
• Building Effective Advisory Committees for Technical Programs
• FAITE Board Updates and Discussion

Special thanks to our FAITE session strand sponsor, Future Builders of America (FBA), for supporting professional development and helping build tomorrow's skilled workforce.

2026 FLATE Award Winners Recognized at FACTE

The 2026 FLATE Education Award winners were recognized during the FACTE Awards Breakfast on Wednesday, July 15, celebrating their outstanding contributions to manufacturing education and workforce development.

Photo Caption (left to right):

Mark Gaudio, DC Jaeger; Theresa Weller, 2026 Distinguished Manufacturing Secondary Educator of the Year; Carrie Meyers, 2024 Distinguished Manufacturing Partner Service Award recipient, Mayra Socarras, 2026 Distinguished Manufacturing Post-Secondary Educator of the Year; Ernie Friend, Executive Director, FLATE; Danielly Orozco-Cole, Associate Director, FLATE.

Special thanks to our FLATE Award sponsors, Bluegrass Educational Technologies, LLC, Connected Engineering, and DC Jaeger, for their generous support of manufacturing education in Florida.

Florida CTE Teacher of the Year – Did you hear the news? The 2026 Florida Teacher of the Year is a CTE teacher and a FACTE member! 🎉 Kyndall Brown, an agriscience teacher at Harmony Middle School in Osceola County, received this well-deserved recognition. 

FLATE extends its sincere appreciation to the FACTE leadership and staff for hosting another outstanding conference and for recognizing the FLATE Awards. We look forward to continuing our partnership with FACTE and FAITE to advance career and technical education and strengthen Florida's future workforce.

Theresa Waller wins 2026 FLATE Distinguished Manufacturing Secondary Educator of the Year Award

Congratulations to Theresa Marie Waller, Program Planner and High School Electrical Instructor at Charlotte Technical College.  With over two decades of hands-on expertise in the electrical trade and a profound commitment to workforce development, Theresa stands as a leading voice for technical education in Southwest Florida. Currently serving as a lead instructor at Charlotte Technical College (CTC), she translates 20 years of field-hardened experience into a curriculum that empowers the next generation of the advanced manufacturing and construction workforce.  

Waller’s journey into the trades was more than a career choice; it was a life-altering transformation. After finding herself as a lost teenager without a clear trajectory, the manufacturing and building community provided the structure, discipline, and mentorship she needed to thrive. This personal history fuels Waller’s teaching philosophy today: she views the shop floor not just as a place to learn a craft, but as a crucible for building humble character, resilience, and professional pride. 

Theresa’s contributions to manufacturing and technical education have been recognized at the highest levels of her district and industry and are defined by a 20-year foundation in the electrical trade and an unwavering commitment to workforce development at the local and state levels,

• January 2026: Top Five Finalist for Teacher of the Year for Charlotte County Public Schools: Recognized as a premier educator within the district for her impact on student success and technical excellence.
• November 2025: Teacher of the Year, Charlotte Technical College: Awarded for her dedication to the CTC community and her ability to translate complex trade skills into career-ready competencies. 
• June 2025: CDBIA P.A.L.M. (Professionals Actively Leading and Mentoring) Award Winner, recognizing her exceptional efforts to bridge the gap between education and industry partners. The award highlights her role in the cooperative effort between the NAHB, FHBA, and Future Builders of America (FBA) to fund and support construction and manufacturing programs. 
• June 2025: Fierce Women in the Trade Award: Recognized in Charlotte County for her leadership and for breaking barriers for women in skilled industrial trades. 

Beyond her awards, Theresa is a Certified NCCER Instructor in Core and Electrical Level One, ensuring her curriculum meets rigorous national standards. She has been instrumental in integrating her students into the Future Builders of America (FBA) and the Home Builders Institute (HBI), providing them with direct pipelines to the professional workforce. Her leadership extends deep into the regional industry through her active membership with the Charlotte-Desoto Building Industry Association (CDBIA). Through this membership and her 20 years of field experience, Theresa serves as a vital link between Charlotte Technical College and the regional manufacturing and building associations, ensuring the next generation is both ""Fierce"" and technically proficient.

Looking toward the future, Waller’s vision for the Electricity Program at Charlotte Technical College is one of radical inclusivity and excellence. She is dedicated to bringing out the "best and brightest" in every student, regardless of their background or starting skill level. Guided by the belief that every student possesses a unique gift, Theresa makes it her personal mission to ensure those talents are recognized and polished. Her goal is to see the CTC program grow by leaps and bounds, continuing to serve as a premier pipeline that shapes the future of manufacturing and engineering technology in Florida and beyond.       

When asked why she thinks manufacturing education is important, Waller states:

Manufacturing education is the fundamental infrastructure of modern civilization. In other words, it is the study of how "things" are made—from the precision-machined components in medical devices to the structural steel that supports our cities. Without this specialized education, the world as we know it would lack the essential structures and products required to function. Manufacturing is not just about operating machinery; it is about mastering the intersection of technology, math, and physical craftsmanship to solve real-world problems.  However, the value of this curriculum extends far beyond technical proficiency. It instills a rigorous "shop floor" work ethic characterized by humility, resilience, and a professional outlook.

For Theresa Waller, this field was a life-altering turning point. Once a teenager drifting toward an uncertain future, she found that the manufacturing community offered the structure and mentorship she lacked. This career path replaced a sense of being lost with a sense of mastery and belonging.  Today, she utilizes her position at Charlotte Technical College to pay that mentorship forward. By translating complex industrial processes into accessible skills for her students, she demonstrates that manufacturing is a bridge to a stable, dignified future. Her journey from a struggling student to a leader in technical education proves that when we invest in manufacturing, we aren't just building products—we are building people. By shaping the next generation of technicians, she ensures that both her students and the industry continue to move forward with purpose.   

Congratulations again to Theresa 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.