Located in one of Florida's poorest counties, Hendry County is gearing up for the development of the new 'Airglades' airport, a $300 million cargo hub that has the potential to revolutionize its economy. Local leaders view this project as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could bring over 1,400 new high-skilled jobs to their predominantly agricultural community situated on the edge of the Everglades.
However, before residents can be prepared for jobs in engineering and manufacturing, educators in the region face significant challenges. A substantial portion of the county's working-age adults lack a high-school diploma, and nearly half speak a language other than English at home, ranking among the highest in Florida. This necessitates a focus on helping individuals earn their GEDs and learn English to equip them for the job market.
Efforts are underway to address these educational gaps, with community groups and schools collaborating to address teacher shortages and invest in adult education. The project to convert the county-owned airport to private ownership is pending approval from the Federal Aviation Administration, contingent on securing contracts with vendors in Latin America to establish its viability as a hub for perishable goods.
Adult education centers in the county have expanded with support from the FutureMakers Coalition, facilitating retraining initiatives. Instructors like Silvia Gullett are employing innovative methods to support students, including creating WhatsApp groups for coordination and offering personalized assistance to ensure student engagement.
Local employers are also actively seeking skilled workers, with U.S. Sugar initiating in-house training programs to address workforce needs. Despite challenges in recruiting instructors, successful programs have prompted the county to establish additional training facilities focused on HVAC, plumbing, and other vocational skills.
However, the educational landscape in Florida faces political complexities, with debates around issues like race-based education programs impacting recruitment efforts. The county's superintendent emphasizes the importance of overcoming these obstacles to prepare for the potential economic growth the airport project could bring.
As the community navigates these challenges, there is a collective effort to bridge workforce gaps and enhance educational opportunities to capitalize on the transformative potential of the upcoming airport project.
