Five visitors from Azerbaijan traveled to northwest Florida on the International Visitor Leadership Program to participate in a project titled Vocational Education: Workforce Development and Public-Private Partnerships. The purpose of their time in the country included exploring how to promote workforce development and examining how public-private partnerships and collaboration works among the business community, vocational schools, high schools, and four-year academic institutions.
Dr. Deborah L. Douma of Pensacola State College spent a considerable amount of time with the group, giving them a special tour of facilities and highlighting the academics, technology, and opportunities within the school. Other site visits included time at the Milton High School Advanced Manufacturing Academy where Santa Rosa County School District Director of Workforce Education Carlin Knight introduced the group to the county’s vocational education and entrepreneurship programs and time at Locklin Tech where Youth Career Specialist Meredith Powers introduced them to its high school and adult vocational program. Locklin is certified by the Council on Occupational Education and offers certification programs in practical nursing and cybersecurity as well as programs which include culinary arts, air conditioning, and heating technologies.
The discussion on workforce education continued during a meeting with Jennifer Allen McFarren, the Executive Director of the Gulf Power Foundation, as the group examined local level business support for vocational education and workforce development.
Katie Ramsey and Serving the Hungry of First United Methodist Church added a special component to the project by inviting the visitors to volunteer alongside her and her team. The visitors also appreciated their welcome orientation with Council Executive Don Kraher at Pensacola City Hall.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council thanks everyone who contributed to this project and extends special notes of appreciation to volunteer Susan Senkarik for her time spent facilitating this group and to Board Members Jeremy Ochoa and Kasey Jones and members Leigh and Kent DeSantis, Chloe Diehl, and Joseph Fulton for offering the international visitors meals and fellowship.
