Just last month, Florida Technical College (FTC) was able to obtain a new goal, and a major one at that – the launch of a Continuing Education division, meaning the school will now offer more programs in the state of Florida, making FTC the premier post-secondary education provider in the state. The Continuing Education division is comprised of three campuses (Tampa, Kissimmee and Orlando) and offers a selection of more than 20 business and tech certification programs. There are now seven total campuses in the state of Florida, all strategically located.
FTC was founded in 1982 to provide private, specialized field education for those seeking higher learning. The school offers associate and bachelor’s degrees and diploma programs in a wide variety of professions, including cosmetology, computer networking, criminal justice, healthcare and more.
Among the many aspects of growth the school is seeing, one specific program is being added to the Spanish language selection. This program will aid those who have just come to the state and need help transitioning into jobs and the labor market, all while improving their English-speaking skills. Other continuing education courses offered include Human Resources Professional, Microsoft System Administration, Cisco Wireless Specialist, Internet Marketing Strategies, and many more!
“The addition of these programs to our offerings solidifies Florida Technical College as a well-rounded institution that meets the needs of many different kinds of adult learners,” said FTC president, Dr. James Burkett.
Due to the growth of the college and its academic offerings, a new diploma program debuted earlier this year. Those interested can now apply for the new HVAC/R with PLC diploma program, which is taught entirely in Spanish. The program is 17 months long and includes classroom instruction, as well as hands-on training in specialized labs. This type of schooling allows practical skills to be gained as the students practice performing installations and service and repairs on heating units, air conditioning systems, and even refrigeration. PLC stands for Programmable Logic Controller, a computer system that controls machines and processes, which is incorporated into the training followed in the program.
“These programs are designed to help Spanish speakers earn a diploma while they are learning English, instead of putting their education on hold,” Burkett said. “The sooner they can start actively participating in the job market and the local economy, the bigger the contribution they can make to their families and to the rest of the community that it is now home.”
After the 17-month period has surpassed, graduates of the HVAC/R with PLC program become eligible for the EPA 608 (this exam falls under the Environmental Protection Agency’s Federal Clean Air Act, requiring “all persons who maintain, service, repair or dispose of appliances that contain regulated substances be certified in proper refrigerant handling techniques”) and OSHA 10 (which teaches avoidance, recognition, abatement and prevention of health and safety hazards in workplaces) certification exams.
Culinary Arts, Electrical, and Baking and Pastelería programs are also offered and taught fully in Spanish. Launching this month is a Spanish Cosmetology program. All of these Spanish-speaking programs are taught at the Kissimmee campus.
As an academic unit of National University College (FTC’s Puerto Rico-based parent school), FTC was accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education just last year. This ultimately means students can be confident that the school will comply with rigorous quality standards, which tends to be overlooked with federal student aid programs. Financial aid is available to qualified students. You can find a Florida Technical College campus in Orlando, Kissimmee, Lakeland, Tampa, DeLand, Pembroke Pines, and Cutler Bay. FTC offers flexible schedules at all seven campuses.
For more information on the programs that Florida Technical College has to offer or to register to further your education, visit http://ce.ftccollege.edu/courses-certifications/ or call (321) 684-4034.
