Valencia College Re-Enrolls In LIFT’s Operation Next, Expanding Advanced Manufacturing Job Training

Initiative to benefit exiting military, their spouses, and civilians

ORLANDO, Fla. – LIFT, the Detroit-based, Department of Defense national manufacturing innovation institute, today announced that Valencia College will be expanding its job training work by once again offering advanced manufacturing career training through the Operation Next initiative. $2 million in funding is being made available through the State of Florida, led by State Sen. Doug Broxson and State Rep. Alex Andrade, to help support the training program across the state.

LIFT’s Operation Next partners with community colleges to provide training to transitioning military members, the National Guard, Reserves, and their families for careers in advanced manufacturing. The program has expanded to serve veterans as well as members of the civilian population.

Developed by LIFT and the Department of Defense, Operation Next provides an accelerated hybrid program that combines online education with hands-on training to earn credentials for in-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, including Computer Numeric Control (CNC), welding, robotics, and industrial technology maintenance. Each year 200,000 service members transition out of the military across the nation.

“Operation Next is an outstanding program and opportunity for not just active-duty service members, but veterans, their families, and civilians who are looking to begin a new career in advanced manufacturing.” Said Carolyn McMorran, Assistant Vice President, Valencia College. “We are happy to once again be working with LIFT to support our students and our region’s manufacturing base.”

“We applaud the State of Florida and the Florida Legislature for supporting this opportunity for the servicemembers, veterans, and civilians across Central Florida. This vital funding is critical for Operation Next to have the impact it is designed to have for our service members and their families,” said Nigel Francis, CEO and Executive Director, of LIFT “We greatly welcome the opportunity to expand upon our work with Valencia College and other outstanding schools throughout Florida as we work together to help these servicemembers begin their pathway to advanced manufacturing careers.”

It is estimated that nearly 2 million advanced manufacturing workers will be needed to fill vacant positions in the U.S. by 2028.

To learn more about Operation Next, or to enroll, please visit www.opnextjobs.com.