REACH Center Opens New Pathways to Careers at Witham Airport

Opportunity is knocking—and the door opening to it can be found at a new facility at Witham Airport.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2 p.m. Feb. 18 will celebrate the new REACH Center at 1815 Airport Road in Stuart.

Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Martin County revitalized an empty building on airport property to create the 7,000-square-foot center.

The Economic Council of Martin County has been assisting the County with project strategy and implementation – the facility will incorporate curricula informed by employers in key industries such as aviation, marine and manufacturing. Individuals eager to expand their skillsets can undergo training and earn certifications for in-demand jobs.

CareerSource Research Coast will operate the center, enabling opportunities that can benefit both job prospects and employers. Trainees pursuing select certifications may be eligible to receive training at reduced rates. Upon hiring a newly certified employee, businesses may qualify for grants that cover the costs of providing on-the-job training.

Thanks to the partnership between the county and CareerSource, the overall cost for trainees is anticipated to remain highly competitive, reducing barriers to upskilling and future opportunities.

George Stokus, assistant administrator of Martin County, and Ted Astolfi, CEO of the Economic Council of Martin County, shared more details with us.

Why was airport property selected as the best place to locate the center?

Ted: Two reasons: The Economic Council was working on the aviation talent pipeline, so this was a good location for a workforce development center that could help the aviation sector—and maybe more importantly, the airport had the existing empty building onsite.

George: Correct. It’s within a bike ride of the larger population that we’re trying to serve with upskilling opportunities and it’s centrally located. A lot of times, these types of activities are set aside—in the corners of the community. By contrast, the REACH Center is in the forefront of the community. Ted and the council said, ‘We’ve got to celebrate the trades, celebrate manufacturing in Martin County—and what better place to do it than at the airport?’ Of course, already having an adaptative, existing structure we could reuse just made sense.

Where will the curriculum come from?

Ted: Industry. This will ensure it’s adaptative to their needs. The hands-on learning section of the center is informed by the view that nothing will be bolted to the ground. That way, instructors can roll out today’s technology that needs to be trained on—and then roll it out so it’s readily adaptable among industries. For example, it could be Daher (the airplane manufacturer) showing how to work on its engines…or a boat builder showing how to work on an outboard marine engine…or an engine that a trucking company like Armellini might use…or even a classroom setting for training certified nursing assistants.

So the industries that will be represented are highly diverse?

Ted: That speaks to the demand that’s out there.

Geroge: That’s what I’ve been finding in just the last few days. There’s overwhelming demand for this type of facility. It’s to the point where the conference room may have to become a classroom.

What prompted the county to prioritize the creation of a center like this?

George: We learned a lot during covid when the service industry was basically shut down and people in restaurants were not able to work. A huge percentage of our workforce is in that service industry. The vast majority had nowhere to get upskilled. But even if they could, the commitment was far too long. People needed a job in three months, not three years. The commission recognized that need in our community then and still sees that need today. The board was very concerned about long-term, sustainable solutions that would make our economy more resilient for the future.

Who are your key partners at this point?

George: CareerSource Research Coast will operate the building and pay for the maintenance. Daher is a partner. The interest is broad and diverse and the momentum is building.

What kinds of educational requirements and benefits will REACH Center trainees receive?

Ted: The center is targeting industries such as marine, aviation, manufacturing and healthcare—in-demand jobs training for the skills that businesses need today. Think of it as clock-hour training and certificate training—not college degree training. It’s basic training to get the skillsets so you can go get a job. We’re even looking at breaking some of the certificates into micro-certifications to speed up the employment opportunities. As they succeed in the job, the trainee can continue to come back to the REACH Center and earn additional certificates—almost like an apprenticeship. They could also get bumps in pay so there’s a clear expectation of the benefits.

What kind of costs should trainees expect?

George: It depends on the company providing the training, but it will be very competitive. The county is looking to cover cost plus capital and make about 10 percent, which goes back into the airport enterprise fund and is used to upkeep the building.

The Economic Council must be excited to have played a key part in bringing the REACH Center to fruition.

Ted: We identified the need but the county made it happen, so the Martin County Commission and staff get all the kudos for the outcome.

Learn more about how the Business Development Board of Martin County supports local businesses at www.BDBMC.org