Manufacturing Skills Gap Study Findings – Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Manufacturing Skills Gap Study Findings Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Introducing a Breakthrough Opportunity: Free Construction and Electrical Fast Track Training Program

SARASOTA, FL (August 22, 2023) — The shortage of skilled workers in the construction and electrical sectors has created a pressing need for accessible training initiatives. In response to the growing demand for skilled professionals, CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, the workforce development program of The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is launching a basic construction and electrical skills training program. This program is designed to provide participants with a unique opportunity to acquire valuable skills and embark on a rewarding career journey, all for free.

Dan Sidler, VP of CareerEdge and Workforce Development, shared, “Our Fast Track Training Program aims to bridge a local skills gap by offering comprehensive training and equipping participants with practical knowledge, hands-on experience, and industry-recognized certifications, at no cost to the individual”.

The training is available to any Sarasota or Manatee County residents in two uniquely designed, and connected, FastTrack programs. Participants must commit to attending both programs.

  • 10 weeks Basic Construction (+1 week for Professional Skills Training) from September 26th to December 14th meeting every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  • 15 weeks Basic Electrical from January 9th to April 25th, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The training will take place at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the education provider Technical Education Council (TEC). TEC uses a curriculum designed by the National Center for Construction Education & Research (NCCER). NCCER is recognized by the construction industry as the leader in training, assessment, certification, and career development.

Upon completion students will earn NCCER credentials for each course and module including basic safety, introduction to construction math, hand tools, power tools, construction drawings, and basic rigging. In addition, the content includes an overview of the electrical craft including the structure of electrical systems, skills to follow blueprints, wiring install and navigating other electrical components such as circuit breaker panels, switches and light fixtures, basics safety, codes, testing, documentation, and general work of an electrician. During the 80-hour “Bridges to Careers” construction course, the participants will be introduced to local employers for job opportunities.  One goal of the program is to help job seekers engage with employers seeking talent.

This training program is a testament to CareerEdge’s dedication to community development, workforce empowerment, and the growth of this vital industry. It is a platform for individuals to upskill and reskill, to take ownership in shaping their own career and to contribute to the overall progress of our local economy.  Participants have the potential to be hired into careers starting with annual salaries of $33k, and if they continue into an approved apprenticeship program, they routinely receive wage increases as their skills continue to develop.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply at www.careeredgefunders.org.  The application process is now open. Spaces are limited, and candidates will be selected based on their motivation, aptitude, and potential to thrive in the construction and electrical sectors as determined by their application and interview with CareerEdge staff.

CareerEdge Receives $125,000 Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation to Enhance Local Workforce Development Effort

CareerEdge Receives $125,000 Grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation to Enhance Local Workforce Development Effort

Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida (July 12, 2023) – CareerEdge, the workforce development initiative led by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a substantial $125,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation. This generous grant, supported by the esteemed A. Hamilton and Edith T. Gardner Fund, further solidifies the longstanding partnership between CareerEdge and Gulf Coast Community Foundation. As one of CareerEdge’s founding funders, Gulf Coast Community Foundation has continuously played an active role in advancing their mission.

The grant will support CareerEdge Funders Collaborative’s initiatives in providing an exceptional labor force to growing industries by leveraging community assets and forming high-performing workforce partnerships. CareerEdge will utilize the grant to implement demand-driven strategies, including Fast-Track training programs, on-the-job training, internship reimbursement programs, and employer funding to upskill employees.

“CareerEdge is honored and grateful to continue the longstanding funding partnership with Gulf Coast Community Foundation,” said Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development. “This investment is critical in supporting our team’s efforts in closing skills gaps to support employers, while also allowing individuals in our community to jump-start a career and enhance their long-term earnings potential.”

Since its inception in 2010, CareerEdge and its employer partners have invested $15.7 million, providing trainings for 7,194 workers, resulting in 1,548 promotions, 4,775 raises, and $38.2 million in workers’ aggregate annual earnings. In 2022 alone, CareerEdge has invested $1.1 million in workforce development, $3 million in added wages, trained 501 workers, created 93 new jobs, provided 170 new employment opportunities, and 671 new certifications were earned.

Sarasota-Manatee job growth outpaces US

Florida is creating one of every 10 new jobs in nation, economist says. Parrish spoke to members of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce at a “Where are the jobs?” session at the Carlisle Inn. Also speaking, remotely from California, was Chris Benner, professor of environmental studies and sociology at the University of California, was Chris Benner, Professor of environmental studies and sociology at the University of Caolifornia, Santa Cruz. One of of every 10 new jobs created in the U.S. are coming from Florida. Read Article

CareerEdge and the Chamber working hard to help businesses

https://www.heraldtribune.com/business/20200127/uniting-sarasota-business-community-in-2020s

Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Heads to DC to Present Business Owners’ Priorities for Workforce

Mireya Eavey of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce and Jennifer Behrens of the Atlantic Mold and Machining Corp trekked their way North this week, to present the collective concerns of local business owners, nonprofit founders, and other representatives of Sarasota’s managerial class regarding what they see as long developing cracks in our community’s workforce. Read more

Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce addresses desperate need for insurance employees

SARASOTA, Fla. (WWSB) – There’s a desperate need for new insurance employees in the Sarasota area, according to the Chamber of Commerce.

Longtime insurance workers say their workforce is aging and it’s hard to fight a misconception that insurance is all about sales.

CareerEdge, the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, uses donations to provide training to employees in certain fields. Their mission is to give those employees the skills they need to be promoted.

Staff said this training encourages upward mobility within companies and their new goal is to help with a dire need in Sarasota – finding new people who want to work in insurance. Read More

CareerEdge Newtown HVAC ABC7 Interview

ABC7 Interview on the Newtown HVAC Training Program

College Explorations Program

CareerEdge and the Education Foundation of Sarasota County partnered in the 2017/18 school year to provide local college campus visits for Sarasota County 7th graders as part of the Talent4Tomorrow Partnership.  The tours were designed to help increase post-secondary aspirations, and to raise awareness about the many resources available to students. The visits included guided tours and activities which allowed the students to get a taste for life in college and the importance of earning a higher education credential.

https://youtu.be/CIEjVMpPanY