OCALA, FL (352today.com) – The College of Central Florida (CF) is rolling out the largest expansion of workforce education programs in its 68-year history for the 2024–2025 academic year.

“The College of Central Florida is achieving unprecedented growth and receiving national recognition for our quality, with the help of our amazing partners,” said CF President Dr. Jim Henningsen. “Governor DeSantis’ goal is to make Florida the No. 1 state in the country for workforce education, and CF has contributed to this effort by investing more than $100 million in state and local support over the past few years to expand our academic programs and facilities and prepare the most qualified, job-ready graduates to meet the needs of employers.”

New programs address workforce demands

CF is launching and proposing several new programs designed to meet regional industry needs:

  • Hospitality and Tourism Management — Launching Fall 2025 to support the growing hospitality sector.
  • Precision Agriculture Technology (A.S.) — Proposed as Florida’s first program in this field.
  • Fire Science (A.S.) — Began in Spring 2025 to support public safety leadership.
  • Geographic Information Systems (GIS) certificate — Created with local government input; enrollment open for Fall 2025.
  • Health Sciences expansion — New programs in cardiovascular technology, sonography, and respiratory care to fill 300+ local job openings.

Strengthening partnerships

CF is building strong community connections to boost training and job placement:

  • Embry-Riddle collaboration — Enhancing agricultural drone technology use.
  • Pathways to Permanent — In partnership with CareerSource CLM and local school districts, this program supports teachers on temporary certifications. So far, 71 teachers enrolled, with 100+ more applicants for Fall.
  • Fleetforce Truck Driving School — 263 CDL graduates to date, with a new program launched in Levy County.
  • Broadband training — 109 individuals trained with a 99% pass rate through the Certified Fiber Optics Bootcamp.
  • Lockheed Martin apprenticeships — Seven new cohorts launching, with apprentices earning CF credit toward engineering degrees.
  • Phlebotomy for high school seniors — New program offered through CF Corporate College and the Levy County School Board.

Supporting students and expanding facilities

CF has received multiple grants and recognitions to help grow its programs and support students:

  • Over $4 million in state grants, including Open Door scholarships and funding for nursing and IT expansion.
  • USDA designation — CF is now one of just three Florida institutions recognized as a Non-Land-Grant College of Agriculture.
  • New and improved facilities, including:
    • Renovated EMS building on the Ocala Campus
    • The AdventHealth Center for Nursing (opened January 2025)
    • Allied Health Sciences building (opened 2023)
    • Upcoming Criminal Justice Instruction Center, a 33,000+ sq. ft. learning hub

To learn more about CF’s programs and ongoing projects, visit CF.edu.

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