Gov. Ron DeSantis toured Titusville High School on Wednesday to highlight career and technical education programs and announce Florida’s ranking as the top state in workforce education. The visit included stops at the school’s automotive, patient care, and digital design programs, with DeSantis emphasizing the state’s push beyond traditional four-year college paths. He was joined by Titusville High Principal Jennifer Gonzalez, Brevard County Schools Superintendent Mark Rendell, and Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey. U.S. Rep. Mike Haridopolos also attended the event.
DeSantis said Florida achieved the top national ranking in workforce education five years ahead of schedule. He credited an executive order from early 2019 and $12 billion in state funding since then. The governor cited data showing Florida served 818,000 K-12 career and technical education students and 512,000 postsecondary CTE students last year. He also mentioned 189,000 adult learners in workforce programs and over 524,000 rapid workforce credentials awarded since his administration began.
Education Commissioner Stasi Kamoutsas detailed grant-funded training spaces focused on robotics, automation, and fabrication. She noted Florida has 25,000 active apprenticeship participants statewide. At Titusville High, students demonstrated programs in foods and nutrition, TV production, and patient care. DeSantis separately hosted an AI panel earlier in the day, warning against replacing human workers with artificial intelligence.
Local leaders praised the state’s investment but did not comment on specific policy impacts. The event occurred as Brevard County schools continue expanding CTE programs, with Titusville High serving as a model for vocational training in the region. DeSantis’s visit comes amid ongoing debates about education pathways and workforce needs in Florida’s growing economy.