Jabil Announces $1.1M Multi-Year Donation to St. Petersburg College to Strengthen Local Manufacturing Talent Pipeline

Funding will support access to real-world technology, curriculum development, and hands-on training programs for in-demand production roles

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jabil Inc. (NYSE: JBL), a global engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions provider, today announced it will donate a total of $1.1 million over three years to St. Petersburg College (SPC) to support the development of the College’s advanced manufacturing training programs.

This funding is intended to strengthen SPC’s career-focused training; expand student access to technology, lab equipment, and raw materials used in real manufacturing environments; provide scholarships for students seeking soldering and mechatronics certifications; and enhance workforce readiness programs that prepare students for employment with manufacturers in the Tampa Bay area, including Jabil.

As part of this donation, Jabil engineering and manufacturing will collaborate with SPC faculty to develop high-impact curriculum that provides students with the skills and certification necessary for roles like solderers and robotics and semiconductor technicians. These positions are critical to the production of cutting-edge technologies from automation to renewable energy solutions, helping drive 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. But continuing that growth requires a highly skilled workforce,” said John Kraus, Vice President of Operations, North America at Jabil. “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 knowhow 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.”

Founded in 1966, Jabil is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year. With over 3,000 employees across its three local manufacturing sites and corporate headquarters, Jabil is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region and a force for good in the community. Local employees give back approximately 13,000 volunteer hours each year through the company’s Jabil Cares community engagement platform.

“Collaborating with industry leaders like Jabil makes a direct and lasting impact on our students and our community,” said Belinthia Berry, Dean of Workforce Development at SPC. “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.”

Learn more about Jabil career opportunities at careers.jabil.com. Find more information about SPC’s advanced manufacturing training programs here.

About Jabil

At Jabil (NYSE: JBL), we are proud to be a trusted partner for the world's top brands, offering comprehensive engineering, supply chain, and manufacturing solutions. With 60 years of experience across industries and a vast network of over 100 sites worldwide, Jabil combines global reach with local expertise to deliver both scalable and customized solutions. Our commitment extends beyond business success as we strive to build sustainable processes that minimize environmental impact and foster vibrant and diverse communities around the globe. Discover more at www.jabil.com.

About St. Petersburg College

Founded in 1927, St. Petersburg College holds the distinction of being Florida’s first two-year institution. Institutionally accredited and nationally recognized, SPC became Florida’s first state college to offer bachelor’s degrees. The College now offers more than 300 programs, including associate and bachelor’s degrees, certificates, workforce certifications, transfer pathways, and short-term training opportunities. SPC’s career-focused curriculum is developed in close partnership with industry leaders, ensuring that our students gain real-world skills and are prepared to thrive in today’s workforce.