EMBRACING THE TREASURE
COAST’S WORKFORCE NEEDS
IRSC established curriculum in response to the immediate need of FPL to replace retiring workers. Today, the college partners with dozens of businesses to
provide degree and career training programs that build workforce capacity for present day and future demands.
30
IRSC at 60
LABOR DEVELOPMENT
IRSC PHOTOS
From healthcare to marine technology to
avionics, IRSC offers students the training
and skills needed for future employment
BY ANTHONY WESTBURY
F or 60 years at Indian River State College, a top priority
always has been serving the community. Nowhere is
that mission more apparent than in the college’s efforts
to train and develop a workforce for the needs of today and
tomorrow.
Business owners in St. Lucie, Martin, Indian River and
Okeechobee counties petitioned the Florida Legislature to
create a junior college here, with their wish being fulfilled in
1960. Before the college, there was a complete dearth of job
training opportunities unless students were willing and able
to travel at least 100 miles to attend college.
In 1958, St. Lucie School Superintendent Ben Bryan Sr.
noted the community’s hunger for higher education much
closer to home:
“I do not think that words or surveys can adequately
describe the attitude of the people. It is necessary to be in the
community to feel the real desire for such an institution. I feel
that the communities have spoken,’’ he said.
It is worth noting that in 1958 only 38 percent of students
continued their education after graduating from high school.
Since those early days, successive college administrations
have responded, even anticipated, the manpower needs of >>