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PBSC Partners With U.S. Sugar to Provide Training

Palm Beach State College has signed a contract with U.S. Sugar Corporation to provide onsite courses for students in the company’s training program at its Clewiston site.

The courses are being taught by Belle Glade campus faculty for students in the Industrial Skills Training Academy that the company recently launched to grow its own talent. In addition to PBSC, which provides general education courses in algebra, chemistry, physics and welding, U.S. Sugar’s other training partners include representatives from companies that manufacture its high-tech equipment. Students are learning welding, machining and electrical skills. Students get paid by U.S. Sugar while they are in the three-year program, and they are offered a job when they successfully finish.

“We have several machines that they don’t have in any other industry that they’re going to be training on,’’ said Donald Messer, industrial skills development manager at U.S. Sugar.

Dr. LaTanya McNeal,  Belle Glade campus executive dean, said the support from the College benefits not only the students in the program but also the community. She helped facilitate the partnership along with Edward Willey, dean of academic affairs;  Dr. Kristy Taylor, interim associate dean of academic affairs;  Roberto Carballoso, interim assistant dean of student services; Professor Alvin Johnson; Learning Specialist Dr. Amaury Suarez, and the Corporate & Continuing Education/Workforce Development office.

“Palm Beach State College is excited to partner with U.S. Sugar to provide instructional support for their new technical skills training program,’’ she said. “Through our collaboration we are able to prepare individuals for lucrative paying jobs in the trades industry and support a workforce in the community which has a high demand for skilled workers.”