First Coast Technical Academy Expands to Public, Addressing Growing Demand for Skilled Technicians

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Oct. 10, 2024 - PRLog -- First Coast Technical Academy (FCTA) is thrilled to announce the expansion of its advanced training center in Jacksonville, Florida. First established in 2020 to elevate the skills of technicians at City Facilities Management (US) LLC in partnership with leading retailers and grocers including Southeastern Grocers, the academy has delivered over 6,000 hours of specialized, hands-on training to hundreds of technicians. Now, following a recent overhaul of the facility and transition in management, FCTA is opening its doors to the broader public, further solidifying its role as an industry leader in technical workforce development.

"This expansion represents a pivotal step in our mission to bridge the gap between industry demands and workforce capabilities," said Tamara Joiner, SVP of People and Safety at FCTA. "By opening our doors to other employers, we're not only empowering them to cultivate highly skilled teams, but we also hope to contribute to the overall betterment of the industry. A more skilled workforce means improved standards, greater innovation, and sustained growth across all technical fields."

FCTA's training programs are designed to be highly practical and relevant, featuring hands-on demonstrations, exercises, and assessments on real grocery and retail equipment. Under the leadership of George Campbell, Director of Technical Training and industry veteran with over 35 years of MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) experience, FCTA offers instructor-led courses and tailored, private programs to best fit businesses' unique needs.

FCTA's state-of-the-art training center features fully operational equipment and scenarios that mirror the real-world challenges technicians encounter daily. From refrigeration racks and deli slicers to bakery ovens and simulated electrical panels, the facility provides a comprehensive and immersive training environment, ensuring technicians gain the hands-on experience they need to excel.

"Since the establishment of City US in 2016, developing and advancing technical teams has been central to our mission," shared Richard Nuttall, President at FCTA. "Now, we're thrilled to extend this commitment to a larger professional community and drive industry growth on a broader scale."

The academy is committed to forging strong partnerships with local establishments and the broader community. Enrollment is now open for the inaugural public classes for external businesses, which commenced on October 1, 2024.

For more information, visit firstcoasttechnicalacademy.com (https://www.firstcoasttechnicalacademy.com/) or contact the FCTA team at fcta@cfm-us.com.