Heights CareerTech Institute (HCTI) is now accepting applications for its inaugural Fall 2026 semester, offering Southwest Florida residents a fast, affordable pathway to rewarding careers in some of the region’s most in-demand industries.
Opening in August, Heights CareerTech Institute will provide hands-on, career-focused training designed to help students gain the skills employers need and earn industry-recognized credentials.
Programs now enrolling include:
• Administrative Office Specialist
• Electrician
• Fundamentals of Food Service
• HVAC/R (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration)
• Marine Service Technologies
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Coding and Billing
• Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Nursing Assistant (Long-term Care)
• Plumbing
• Practical Nursing (LPN)
• Welding
“Southwest Florida faces a growing shortage of skilled workers across healthcare, construction, hospitality, and technical trades,” said Eric Dennis, Director of Heights CareerTech Institute. “Our programs are designed to provide students with the training, industry credentials, and hands-on experience they need to quickly enter the workforce and build successful careers.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, many of the careers supported by HCTI programs offer strong earning potential. Electricians earn a median annual wage of more than $62,000, plumbers earn more than $61,000, HVAC technicians earn nearly $58,000, and licensed practical nurses earn approximately $60,000 annually. Experienced professionals in these fields often earn significantly more, particularly in growing markets such as Southwest Florida.
Healthcare and administrative careers also continue to experience strong demand. Medical assistants, medical coders, and office specialists play critical roles in healthcare systems and businesses throughout the region, providing opportunities for long-term career growth and advancement.
Students at Heights CareerTech Institute will learn from experienced instructors in a state-of-the-art training environment designed to replicate real-world workplaces. Programs emphasize practical skills, industry certifications, and employer connections that help graduates transition directly into employment.
The 63,500-square-foot facility, located at the intersection of Gladiolus Drive and Pine Ridge Road, was created to address the workforce needs of Southwest Florida while providing life-changing opportunities for individuals seeking new careers, career advancement, or specialized skills training.
Once fully operational, Heights CareerTech Institute will serve approximately 500 students annually and become a vital workforce development resource for the region.
For more information or to apply, visit www.heightscareertech.org or call (239) 789-1642. Heights CareerTech is located at 15295 Pine Ridge Road, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
About Heights CareerTech Institute
Heights CareerTech Institute is a post-secondary career and technical training school dedicated to preparing students for high-demand careers through hands-on, industry-focused education. Through accelerated training programs, industry-recognized credentials, and employer partnerships, HCTI creates practical pathways to meaningful employment, economic mobility, and workforce success.
About The Heights Foundation
Harlem Heights is a low-income community in south Fort Myers, Florida. The Heights Foundation’s mission is to build strong, self-sufficient families in the Harlem Heights neighborhood. The Heights Center, supported by The Heights Foundation, promotes education and wellness, nurtures family and community development, and provides the benefits of enrichment and the arts.
Harlem Heights was originally settled as a rural agricultural community. Approximately 780 children live in a mixture of single-family homes and multi-family apartments. Demographically, the population is approximately 79% Hispanic, 15% African-American, and 6% Caucasian. The poverty rate for children in Harlem Heights is more than twice the county average, with family income 50% below the county average. As a result, families cannot easily access family support services in downtown Fort Myers and benefit greatly from programs within the neighborhood.