We are excited to announce that Sophia Watson, FSI assistant director of workforce development, has been named the 2025 FLATE Distinguished Manufacturing Partner Service Aware Winner by the Florida Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence (FLATE) and the Florida Association for Industrial and Technical Educations (FAITE).
Now in its 18th year, the FLATE Awards program honors individuals who have made exceptional contributions to manufacturing education in Florida. Sophia’s tireless efforts to build meaningful partnerships between industry and education, as well as her leadership in advancing workforce development in the semiconductor industry, exemplify the spirit of this prestigious award.
In 2013, as then Supervisor of Technical and Adult Education, Sophia Watson introduced the Certified Production Technician (CPT) course to Hernando Adult Postsecondary Education, providing adult students for the first time with essential skills to enter the manufacturing workforce. In 2015 she and her team collaborated with the Iron Workers Union and local businesses to establish a thriving welding program that served both secondary and postsecondary students, addressing industry needs and expanding career opportunities for students. She went on to establish Hernando County’s first technical college, Wilton Simpson Technical College, with strong support from local businesses, legislators, and the community. In 2024, a CNC program was added to the newly constructed Wilton Simpson Technical College, equipping students with precision machining skills highly sought after in advanced manufacturing. To maximize resources and expand educational offerings, she negotiated a facility-sharing agreement with the state college, enabling the addition of its Engineering Technology program in the same classroom. This innovative collaboration created a seamless pathway for students pursuing careers in engineering and manufacturing technology.
In her current role at FSI, Sophia plays a pivotal role in coordinating Florida’s manufacturing ecosystem. FSI’s efforts focus on aligning industry, education, and workforce development initiatives to strengthen the state’s readiness for the quickly expanding semiconductor sector. Her workforce leadership is fostering collaboration across institutions, businesses, and organizations, paving the way for a robust, future-ready workforce and a stronger manufacturing sector in Florida and beyond.
Sophia will be recognized alongside other distinguished educators at the FACTE Annual Conference & Trade Show on Tuesday, July 22, in Orlando, FL, where she will also take part in the Best Practice Award Winners Panel.
Please join us in congratulating Sophia on this well-deserved recognition and for her outstanding contributions to shaping the future of Florida’s advanced manufacturing workforce!