CareerEdge Hires Kempton Research and Planning to Launch Manufacturing Skills Gap Study

CareerEdge Hires Kempton Research and Planning to Launch Manufacturing Skills Gap Study

Sarasota, Fla. (June 7, 2021) – CareerEdge, the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce workforce initiative, has hired Kempton Research and Planning to perform a Manufacturing Skills Gap Study, similar to the study that was spearheaded by CareerEdge in 2012.  At that time, there were 800 manufacturing companies located in this region. Currently, sources show 900 companies or more. CareerEdge, working with its community partners, is seeking to understand and quantify the skill gap for manufacturing jobs in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“Nine years ago, CareerEdge’s Manufacturing Skill Gap Study resulted in Suncoast Technical College establishing a CNC Machining program.  Just like our first study, we will rely on our local manufacturing companies to participate by responding to the survey and validating the data. This feedback is essential to the success of our study,” said Jennifer Behrens, CareerEdge manufacturing council chair and owner of Atlantic Mold.

CareerEdge wants to specifically identify the jobs and skills manufacturers are lacking as they seek to grow their companies. This data will then be compared to training resources currently available in the region to identify whether training exists and if not, what must be changed or added for training partners to help manufacturers fill the skill gap, hire employees, and grow their companies.

“With our region’s continued growth in the manufacturing sector and the ever-evolving workforce climate, launching this skill gap study is critical to evaluate how we can move forward with a plan that will support local manufacturing companies as well as our workforce,” said Kristi Hoskinson, Vice President, CareerEdge.

To participate in the upcoming manufacturing skill gap study or find out more email:  careeredgeinfo@sarasotachamber.com or www.CareerEdgeFunders.org