Indian River State College proudly announces that two Advanced Manufacturing apprentices from the Treasure Coast
were recently recognized as Florida’s Advanced Manufacturing Apprentices of the Year at FABTECH 2024 in Orlando. FloridaMakes, the National Institute of Manufacturing Extension Partnership center for the state of Florida, presented the awards.
Jorge Peña, a mechatronics apprentice and FedEx Ground employee, and Gloria De Ponce, an industrial manufacturing technology apprentice from CareerSource Research Coast and A1 Industries employee, continued their training at the Indian River State College Advanced Manufacturing Center and were recognized with this exceptional award.
Peña and De Ponce were selected from nominees across Florida for demonstrating outstanding commitment to their professional development and going beyond their normal duties.
“These awards highlight the wonderful talent emerging from Indian River State College’s Advanced Manufacturing programs,” said Dr. Timothy E. Moore, president of Indian River State College. “We congratulate Gloria and Jorge on their recognition. They exemplify the bright future of American manufacturing.”
The Florida Manufacturing Apprentice of the Year Award recognizes apprentices currently enrolled or who have recently completed a registered manufacturing apprenticeship program in the state. Nominees are evaluated based on their positive impact on their employer, as well as their exceptional dedication to acquiring new skills and preparing for career advancement opportunities.
“Gloria and Jorge’s achievements are a shining example of how Indian River State College’s Advanced Manufacturing programs, in partnership with local employers, are providing both the training and credentials needed to meet industry demands. We congratulate Gloria and Jorge on this well-deserved recognition.”
The Indian River State College Advanced Manufacturing Center offers accelerated programs that prepare students for in-demand careers. Courses cover automation, precision manufacturing, prototyping, additive manufacturing, and other critical industry skills.
For more information about Indian River State College’s advanced manufacturing programs, visit https://irsc.edu/.
Image: Irsc
