Jabil Gift Opens Doors to Manufacturing Careers

6/29/2026

Last year, Jabil made a significant contribution to St. Petersburg College with the donation of a soldering station — a gift designed to give students valuable hands-on experience and high-demand career opportunities.

Now, the global engineering, supply chain and manufacturing solutions provider has taken its support of SPC students to another level. Over the next three years, Jabil will donate $1.1 million to the College in support of its advanced manufacturing training programs.

The gift is designed to: strengthen SPC’s career-focused training; increase student access to technology, lab equipment and raw materials used in real manufacturing environments; provide scholarships for students seeking soldering and mechatronics certifications; and support workforce readiness programs that prepare students for employment with manufacturers throughout Tampa Bay — Jabil included.

In addition, Jabil will collaborate with SPC faculty to develop high-impact curriculum that provides students with the skills and certification necessary for technician roles dealing with soldering, robotics and semiconductors. These jobs are vital in producing state-of-the-art technologies, such as automation and renewable energy, and helping fuel economic growth in the Tampa Bay region and beyond.

“We’re seeing exciting momentum in U.S. manufacturing, especially here in the Tampa Bay region,” said John Kraus, Vice President of Operations, North America at Jabil. “But continuing that growth requires a highly skilled workforce. By investing in St. Petersburg College’s soldering and mechatronics programs, we’re building a pipeline of in-demand talent equipped with training and technical know-how that can jump into key roles at manufacturers like Jabil from day one — roles that can be the start of exciting, fulfilling careers in a fast-growing industry.”

Belinthia Berry, Dean of Workforce Development at SPC, echoed the sentiment. “Collaborating with industry leaders like Jabil makes a direct and lasting impact on our students and our community,” she said. “This support strengthens our ability to deliver hands-on, career-focused education and ensures our programs stay aligned with current workforce needs. Together, we are creating more opportunities for students to build skills, earn credentials and step confidently into high-demand careers.”

The Jabil Soldering Station, donated in April 2025, is located within the Chris Sprowls Workforce Innovation Hub on SPC’s Tarpon Springs Campus. It serves as an essential tool in providing students with practical techniques and skills as they prepare for the job market in the manufacturing industry. In fact, 12 SPC students were hired upon completion of the course. One of them, Mariah O’Neal, credits earning her soldering certification with opening a door to becoming a Jabil solder technician assembler.

“The soldering class at SPC was an amazing experience. It gave me the hands-on skills and confidence I needed to step into a new career path,” she said. “The instructors were supportive and knowledgeable, and the program opened doors for me that I didn’t think were possible just a few months ago. I’m truly grateful to SPC for helping me build a foundation for my future.”

Jabil’s landmark gift comes in its 60th year of operations. Today the company has more than 3,000 employees across its three different Pinellas County manufacturing sites and ranks as one of the largest employers in the area. It is known as a trusted partner for some of the world’s top brands. This partnership with SPC will enhance students’ skills and expand job opportunities for years to come.