CareerEdge’s Funders Collaborative and Partners Invest $1.5 million in Local Workforce Development

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CareerEdge’s Funders Collaborative and partners invest $1.5 million in local workforce development

Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida (May 6, 2024) – CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, the workforce initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce its 2023 efforts resulted in an economic impact of $2.7 million for the local economy. Their funding opportunities, unique programs and strategic partnerships with employers, educators, government officials, and community stakeholders are significantly contributing to the development of the region’s workforce.  The collaborative approach to local solutions led to outstanding ratings in several critical areas of the yearly evaluation.

CareerEdge’s 2023 Annual Evaluation shows the substantial impact to the Sarasota-Bradenton economy, including more than $1.5 million invested in workforce development, almost $1.8 million in added wages, 461 workers trained, the creation of 100 new jobs, 182 new employment opportunities and 344 new certifications earned.  The highly informative and detailed report includes other valuable metrics including demographics by gender, ethnicity, certifications earned by industry, and increases in annual wages per program.

Notably, CareerEdge observed a significant shift in training priorities, spurred by the evolving needs of the community. In 2023, there was a pronounced focus on enhancing leadership skills across various sectors, underlining the crucial role of leadership in team effectiveness, goal achievement, and reducing turnover. Internally, CareerEdge’s Leadership Academy program, aimed at developing emerging leaders, expanded into the insurance industry and saw increased engagement in manufacturing and healthcare. The Upskilling Workers Grant program experienced a similar increase, with a majority of employer applications citing retention as a challenge. This surge in demand for leadership programs underscores the growing recognition of leadership’s impact on workplace effectiveness and employee satisfaction.

Since its inception in 2010, CareerEdge and its employer partners have invested $17.2 million, providing trainings for 7,655 workers, resulting in 1,548 promotions, 4,951 raises and $40 million in workers’ aggregate annual earnings.

Overall, the evaluation data announces another year of achievement for CareerEdge’s innovative programs focused on tangible outcomes. By building workforce capacity through upskilling and additional credentials, and increased access to funding, CareerEdge Funders Collaborative has improved pay scales and created a better standard of living in Sarasota and Manatee Counties.

Elevate Data Consulting, an independent third party, conducted quantitative and qualitative analyses of the raw data, CareerEdge provided grant reports, and grant management database to produce the evaluation.  The Regional Input-Output Modeling System (RIMS-II), an Input-Output Multiplier dataset provided by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis, was used to estimate type II direct economic impacts of increased wages and jobs.

To access the full report, click here.

About CareerEdge Funders Collaborative

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative is an innovative partnership of business, government, and philanthropic organizations, leveraging public and private dollars to provide opportunities for better jobs and wages in Manatee and Sarasota counties. CareerEdge is the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. For more information about CareerEdge and its partners, please visit www.careeredgefunders.org  or call 941.556.4045.

About the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that exists to maximize our members’ success, the community’s competitiveness, and the area’s economic strengths. For more information, call (941) 955-8187 or visit online at www.sarasotachamber.com

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative receives a $71,000 grant from Truist Foundation to Upskill Workers

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CareerEdge Funders Collaborative receives a $71,000 grant from Truist Foundation to Upskill Workers

Sarasota, Fla., (Jan. 17, 2024) – CareerEdge Funders Collaborative today announced it received a $71,000 grant from Truist Foundation to assist the skills and earning capacity of its community members by providing them with an opportunity to obtain the necessary training and credentialing so that they can enter the workforce successfully.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Truist Foundation to bolster our Bridges to Careers training programs,” said Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development. “This generous funding provides our community the life-changing launchpad for individuals to acquire foundational skills and industry-recognized credentials, increasing participants’ earning capacity and setting them on a career path within our targeted sectors.”

The grant will be strategically directed toward enhancing the Bridges to Careers program, facilitated by CareerEdge. This effort seeks to enhance the skills and income potential of community members by offering essential training and credentials to facilitate their successful entry into the workforce. The program often employs a “Fast-Track” approach, rapidly upskilling participants within a compressed timeframe, effectively preparing them to meet the skills demanded by employers in today’s job market. This backing will significantly increase CareerEdge’s capacity to equip individuals with pertinent skills, ensuring their readiness for success in their careers. Ultimately, this will contribute to fostering economic growth within the community.

“Truist’s purpose of inspiring and building better lives and communities often begins with helping build pathways to steady employment and financial independence,” said Truist Regional President Steve Fisher. “We believe we can help communities achieve this through increasing access to training and breaking barriers to employment.”

 About CareerEdge Funders Collaborative

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative is an innovative partnership of business, government, and philanthropic organizations, leveraging public and private dollars to provide opportunities for better jobs and wages in Manatee and Sarasota counties. CareerEdge is the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. For more information about CareerEdge and its partners, please visit www.careeredgefunders.org or call 941.556.4045.

About Truist Foundation

Truist Foundation is committed to Truist Financial Corporation’s (NYSE: TFC) purpose to inspire and build better lives and communities. The Foundation, an endowed private foundation established in 2020 whose operating budget is independent of Truist Financial Corporation, makes strategic investments in a wide variety of nonprofit organizations centered around two focus areas: building career pathways to economic mobility and strengthening small businesses to ensure all communities have an equal opportunity to thrive. Embodying these focus areas are the Foundation’s leading initiatives – the Inspire Awards and Where It Starts. Learn more at Truist.com/Foundation

CareerEdge Establishes Tuition Free Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) FastTrack with Suncoast Technical College (STC) to Address Healthcare Industry Demand

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CareerEdge Establishes Tuition Free Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) FastTrack with Suncoast Technical College (STC) to Address Healthcare Industry Demand

(March 27, 2023) – Sarasota, FL. CareerEdge is partnering up with Suncoast Technical College (STC) to offer a free Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) fast-track program which will launch in May. The workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, CareerEdge, continuously seeks innovative programs and techniques to support local businesses. In this most recent partnering, CareerEdge and STC address a major national issue, the nursing shortage, in a local way. This effort supports the academic institution’s mission to help prepare the next generation of nurses while providing an opportunity for community businesses to upskill their non-certified healthcare employees.

The curriculum for this opportunity will be a condensed version of STC’s Certified Nursing Assistant program. The tuition-free FastTrack begins May 2, 2023, and runs through June 14, 2023, with classes held Monday-Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at STC’s main campus, 4748 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34233.  Additionally, Sarasota Memorial Hospital will host the participants for Clinical trainings during the first two weeks of June from 6:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. which enhances the real-world nature of their education. The program will also include CareerEdge’s Bridges to Careers soft skills training where participants learn additional aspects of professionalism.

Interested applicants need to apply for the free program and interview with CareerEdge staff.  Those selected will be notified. Eligibility requirements include a background and drug test prior to starting the training, must be a Sarasota or Manatee County residents, and apply by Monday, April 17. This is a tuition-free training funded by CareerEdge which also covers two sets of scrubs, a stethoscope, and shoes for each participant. Participants are responsible for paying for their certification exam fee and fingerprint testing, reimbursable upon passing exam. Participants must also complete a medical clearance, provide proof of certain immunizations, and are responsible for covering expenses associated with these steps. No technical experience is required for this training. The program is limited to only 15 participants. For more information go to https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/

Funding for the program is made possible by CareerEdge Funders Collaborative and the generous support from its funders and with the support of the local health care business community.

To read the Herald-Tribune article, click here.

CareerEdge Launching Two Tuition-Free FastTrack Trainings in March

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CareerEdge, the workforce development program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is now accepting applications for two upcoming Fast-Track Training programs – an automotive collision Tech program through Manatee Technical College, and a Marine Service program for high school seniors through Suncoast Technical College. Both programs are entirely tuition free, thanks to the generosity of CareerEdge’s funders.

Listening and responding to local business demands is a staple of the CareerEdge model.  In its sustained effort to innovate solutions for the skills gap and grow the local workforce, CareerEdge is launching two “transportation-inspired” fast-track programs in March 2023.

Auto Collision Technician Fast Track Program
When: March 20 – May 25, 2023, Monday and Thursday 5:30 – 7:30pm
Where: Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 E, Bradenton
Apply today: https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/

Starting with the Automotive Collision fast-track, it is a never-before offered opportunity. Employer partners, Sunset Automotive Group and Morgan Automotive Group, believe in investing in their personnel. Candidates hired by or currently working for these regional automotive groups will attend this program at Manatee Technical College. CareerEdge brought the employers and college together to determine the industry’s workforce needs, identify the specific curriculum components, and provide this chance for free education.

The tuition-free classes will begin March 20, 2023 and run through May 1, 2023 in the evenings on Monday and Thursday from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm at Manatee Technical College, 6305 State Road 70 E, Bradenton. No technical experience is required, and all interested applicants will need to apply for and be screened by the employer and college before acceptance is confirmed. Participants must be Sarasota or Manatee County residents and apply by Monday, February 27th.  Graduates of the program will earn entry level certifications.

Marine Service Training (for High School Seniors)
When: March 7 – May 18, 2023, Tuesday-Thursday 5:30 – 9pm
Where: Suncoast Technical College, 4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Apply today: https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/

In addition to the automotive fast-track, CareerEdge is partnering with Local boat manufacturer, Chris-Craft, and Suncoast Technical College (STC) to offer a free Marine Service Technologies training program.  Chris-Craft is looking for ways to recruit and rapidly train people for a very specific skill set and then continue to develop their talent through internships and apprenticeship programs.

Unlike previous Bridges to Careers fast-track programs, the target audience of this partnership is Sarasota County high school seniors.  The tuition-free classes will take place in the evening Tuesday-Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at STC’s main campus 4748 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34233 and are scheduled to begin March 7, 2023, and run through May.  Chris-Craft will host a Mandatory Info session to interview participants on Wednesday, February 8th and to plan to visit the class to enhance the real-world nature of the program. Graduates of this program may be hired by Chris-Craft (contingent upon availability). No technical experience is required. All interested applicants will need to apply and be screened by the employer and college. High school seniors interested in this opportunity must apply by Monday, February 6th, those selected will be notified after the mandatory info session and interviews.

Eligibility for both programs includes having a clean background, agreeing to a background and drug test prior to starting the training, a valid driver’s license, ability to lift 75 lbs., reliable transportation, and enjoyment of hands-on work.  Each program also includes CareerEdge’s Bridges to Careers soft skills and employability training. Funding for both programs is made possible by the gracious donors to the CareerEdge Funders Collaboration. The online applications can be found at:  https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/

 

About CareerEdge Funders Collaborative

CareerEdge Funder’s Collaborative is an innovative partnership of business, government, and philanthropic organizations that leverages public and private dollars to provide opportunities for better jobs and wages in Manatee and Sarasota counties.  CareerEdge is the workforce development initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. For more information about CareerEdge and its partners, please visit www.careeredgefunders.org or call 941.556.4029.

About the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit organization that works to cultivate Sarasota’s prosperity and quality of life through our member businesses, for more information please call (941) 955-8187 or visit us at www.sarasotachamber.com.

Gulf Coast Community Foundation awards $125,000 to CareerEdge

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Gulf Coast Community Foundation awards $125,000 to CareerEdge

CareerEdge, the workforce development initiative of the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, will continue its workforce efforts thanks to a $125,000 grant from Gulf Coast Community Foundation.  This grant award extends the 11-year-long partnership between CareerEdge and Gulf Coast. To read the full article, click here.

Bank of America awards CareerEdge $25,000 for Sarasota-Manatee workforce development

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Bank of America awards CareerEdge $25,000 for Sarasota-Manatee workforce development

CareerEdge, the Sarasota Chamber of Commerce workforce development program, has received a $25,000 grant from Bank of America to expand the organization’s Bridges to Careers training programs and on-the-job training. The bank has partnered with CareerEdge for 12 years to strengthen workforce opportunities. To read the full article, click here.

Regions Foundation Funds $30,000 to CareerEdge

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Regions Foundation Funds $30,000 to CareerEdge

The Regions Foundation, a nonprofit organization funded primarily by Regions Bank, awarded $30,000 to workforce development efforts led by the Sarasota Chamber’s CareerEdge Funders Collaborative. Specifically, the grant from the Regions Foundation will support the Bridges to Careers initiative. To read the full article, click here.

First class graduates from CareerEdge’s free construction training program

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First class graduates from CareerEdge’s free construction training program

The inaugural class of eight local residents graduated on May 5 from a first-of-its-kind training program in the construction field offered by CareerEdge Funders Collaborative and funded through Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Master Plan. To read the full article, click here.

First Class Graduates from Tuition-Free Construction Training Program in Newtown

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First Class Graduates from Tuition-Free Construction Training Program in Newtown

The inaugural class of eight local residents graduated on May 5 from a first-of-its-kind training program in the construction field offered by CareerEdge Funders Collaborative and funded through Marie Selby Botanical Gardens’ Master Plan. To read the full article, click here.

CareerEdge receives Outstanding Business Partner Award

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CareerEdge receives Outstanding Business Partner Award

CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, the workforce development program of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, recently received recognition from Sarasota County Schools with the 2022 Outstanding Business Partner Award.  To read the full article, click here.