The skilled trades workforce shortage is real—and one Jacksonville school is trying to fill the gap with hands-on training that looks more like a jobsite than a classroom.
News4JAX toured Jones Technical Institute (J-Tech Institute), a nonprofit vocational school with programs ranging from HVAC to diesel, welding, marine/RV – even commercial truck driving.
What is J-Tech?
J-Tech Institute is a nonprofit technical college that’s been around since 2014. School leaders say it has an average overall graduation rate of 72%, with its commercial truck driving program boasting an average 98% graduation rate. J-Tech Institute has an average job placement rate of 87%, with its diesel advanced technology education program reporting a high average employment rate of 100%.
What We Saw on the Tour
Walking through the building, it’s clear this isn’t a sit-and-listen kind of school—students are actively working on equipment and training setups designed to mirror real-world environments.
HVAC + Refrigeration: Students learn the basics in both residential and commercial-style settings, according to J-Tech Vice President Lori Stowers.
Diesel Program with a Rare Partnership: Stowers says J-Tech is one of three schools in the country that has partnered with Volvo and Mack to offer advanced diesel training.
Automotive Shop (including transmissions): In the automotive workshop, Stowers pointed out the transmission area—where students get a look at “all the things you never knew existed inside your car that make it run.”
Welding: Training + Testing On-Site: The welding workshop is loud for a reason—there’s a clean air exchange system running. Stowers said employers can come to campus and give students specific welding tests as part of the hiring process. And yes—women are showing up in growing numbers. Stowers told us the highest numbers of women are in welding and commercial truck driving.
Marine + RV: “Adult Legos”: One of the standout areas on the tour was the combined Marine and RV technician training, where students work on everything from older outboards to brand-new models. Instructor Don Learn, who came to teaching after decades in the field, told us he was looking for an opportunity to pass along what he’s learned and found it at J-Tech. Students said the hands-on element is the best part—one even described it as “adult LEGO.”
The ‘Toolbox’ Advantage for Grads
One big takeaway: J-Tech says it doesn’t want students graduating without what they need to start day one on a job. Stowers said partners like NAPA and GearWrench help provide a 600-piece tool set for graduates in automotive, diesel, and marine/RV. A similar tool set is provided to their graduating HVAC and refrigeration students.
How Long Are the Programs—and How Do Students Pay?
J-Tech’s programs are occupational associate degrees, typically about 21 months (depending on the program). They also include general education core classes—like math and English, focused on real workplace communication and technical applications. To help foot the bill, students can use financial aid, scholarships, grants, and payment plans.
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