The view from the tarmac at Daytona Beach International Airport has always been impressive, but it’s about to become even more significant for the future of Florida’s workforce. Earlier this week, I toured Daytona State College’s aviation facilities where administrators unveiled plans for their newest academic offering—an Associate of Science in Aerospace Technology set to launch in Fall 2025.
This program represents more than just another degree option. It’s a direct response to the explosive growth we’re seeing across Florida’s aerospace sector, particularly along what industry insiders call the “Space Coast.” The timing couldn’t be more strategic.
“We’re not just adding a program because it sounds innovative,” Dr. Mori Hosseini, chair of Daytona State’s Board of Trustees told me during an exclusive interview. “We’re addressing a critical workforce gap that’s only going to widen as companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Boeing continue expanding their Florida operations.”
The numbers certainly support this initiative. According to Enterprise Florida’s latest aerospace industry report, the state hosts more than 470 aerospace companies employing approximately 130,000 workers, with projections showing a 17% growth in technical positions over the next five years. These aren’t just jobs—they’re careers with median salaries starting around $72,000 for graduates with the right technical training.
What makes this program particularly noteworthy is its collaborative development process. Rather than designing curriculum in isolation, Daytona State worked directly with major employers including Lockheed Martin, Collins Aerospace, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to identify specific skill gaps. The result is coursework tailored to produce graduates who can step directly into roles ranging from composite material technicians to avionics specialists.
“Students coming through this program won’t just understand theoretical principles,” explains Dr. Thomas LoBasso, President of Daytona State College. “They’ll graduate with hands-on experience using the exact equipment and processes that our industry partners employ every day.”
The 60-credit program structure balances technical specialization with foundational knowledge. Core courses include Aerospace Materials and Processes, Aircraft Electrical Systems, and Composite Fabrication and Repair. Perhaps most impressive is the planned 120-hour internship requirement, ensuring every graduate has documented professional experience before entering the workforce.
This academic-industry alignment isn’t just smart educational strategy—it’s economic development. Space Florida, the state’s aerospace economic development agency, estimates that every new aerospace manufacturing position creates an additional 2.3 jobs throughout the regional economy.
“When we talk about growing Florida’s innovation economy, this is exactly the type of program we mean,” says Frank DiBello, President of Space Florida. “Preparing a skilled workforce locally creates a sustainable talent pipeline that attracts additional aerospace investment.”
The timing aligns perfectly with broader industry trends. Commercial space activities are expanding rapidly, with Florida capturing an increasingly large share of launch operations. Meanwhile, traditional aviation companies are struggling to replace retiring skilled technicians—a demographic challenge that the Aerospace Industries Association has labeled a “silver tsunami” as experienced workers leave the field.
Enrollment projections suggest strong demand, with the college expecting to admit 40-50 students for the initial cohort in 2025. Financial accessibility appears to be a priority—the program qualifies for multiple scholarship opportunities including Florida’s Bright Futures program and industry-sponsored tuition assistance.
For prospective students weighing career options, the aerospace technology path offers compelling advantages. Beyond competitive starting salaries, the field provides remarkable stability. During my recent visit to Collins Aerospace’s Melbourne facility, HR director Samantha Wright emphasized this point: “Even during economic downturns, the demand for qualified aerospace technicians remains strong. These aren’t jobs that can be easily outsourced or automated.”
The degree announcement fits into Daytona State’s broader strategy of expanding STEM offerings while maintaining its traditional strengths in healthcare and business education. It also represents smart positioning within Florida’s higher education ecosystem. Rather than competing directly with research-focused aerospace engineering programs at larger universities, this associate’s degree fills a crucial middle-skill gap.
What remains to be seen is how quickly the program can scale to meet demand. With applications opening in January 2025, college officials expect significant interest from both recent high school graduates and mid-career professionals seeking transition opportunities.
For a region historically dependent on tourism and service industries, this aerospace expansion represents an important economic diversification effort. The average aerospace manufacturing position pays nearly double the median wage of Volusia County’s traditional employment sectors.
As Florida continues positioning itself as a global aerospace hub, programs like Daytona State’s will play an increasingly vital role in workforce development. Whether supporting commercial space ventures, defense contractors, or aviation maintenance operations, the demand for technically skilled professionals shows no signs of slowing.
For prospective students considering career paths with long-term growth potential, this new degree offers a compelling launch pad into Florida’s expanding aerospace ecosystem. When classes begin next fall, they’ll be doing more than learning technical skills—they’ll be joining an industry that quite literally aims for the stars.
