Bridges To Careers For Low-Skilled Workers In Manatee, Sarasota

A new service being launched by CareerEdge will help build new careers for healthcare workers in Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Seeded with a $75,000 grant from Jane’s Trust, the pilot program will focus on preparing young residents in low-income areas for career-path jobs through training and support services. It will primarily target the neighborhoods of Washington Park in central Bradenton and Newtown in Sarasota. Other areas to be served include North Port and other areas in Sarasota and Manatee counties.

“This generous funding from Jane’s Trust means we can begin to extend our training efforts to unemployed residents who are ready to enter the workforce,” said Mireya Eavey, executive director of CareerEdge.

A range of partners has committed to participate in the new program, which is dubbed “Bridges to Careers for Low-Skilled Workers.” The respective economic development agencies in Manatee and Sarasota counties will help establish connections with potential employers. State College of Florida and the Sarasota County Technical Institute will help recruit and enroll participants and provide support services.

CareerEdge plans to seek additional funding from current and prospective investors for the multi-year program.

“We have raised more than $3 million in funding and commitments to help train incumbent workers for better jobs, but there is a critical gap in Sarasota and Manatee counties for the unemployed,” said Eavey. “CareerEdge’s work-readiness program will set itself apart by identifying the requirements for success for low-skilled adults at the next level of education and employment.”