Sarasota-Manatee workers need foundational digital skills to thrive

By Louis Llovio    Published October 5, 2020

When Liz Allen returned home to Sarasota after following family to Atlanta, she needed to find a job.

Allen, 57, had left her job at a Sarasota doctor’s office about a year earlier, but after years of working in the medical profession, the set of computer skills Allen had learned were insufficient for finding the kind of work she wanted.

That she didn’t own a computer only made the search tougher.

Allen’s story is not an unfamiliar one. Everywhere you look, there are people who lack the skills to hunt for jobs today, let alone have the skills employers are searching for.  And, even if they had these skills, many lack computers or internet access. Read Story

Kathryn Whalen will assist with workforce development initiatives, lead fast-track training programs, work with business and community partners and coordinate special projects. Read More

Local heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) companies are partnering with CareerEdge and Suncoast Technical College (STC) to offer a free fast-track HVAC Installation and Maintenance program which will launch in September.  This training provides a gateway job for individuals to enter a career with upward mobility opportunities to earn higher wages with benefits. The tuition-free class will begin September 29th and concludes in December with classes held in the evening Monday through Wednesday from (5:30pm to 9pm) at STC’s main campus 4748 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34233.  Applicants eligibility includes residing in Manatee and Sarasota Counties, must have a clean driving record, agree to a background check prior to starting the training, ability to lift 75 lbs., physically capable to work in attics, high temperature environment. No technical experience is required for this training and all interested applicants, will need to apply for the free program and be screened by the college and employers. Interested applicants must apply by September 8th, those selected will be notified and must attend a mandatory information session.  Read Online

This year, CareerEdge raised $592,280 from 12 different organizations including financial institutions, county government, private foundations – both local and national. With their support, CareerEdge will continue its efforts to improve the workforce climate in Sarasota and Manatee counties. CareerEdge helps workers advance into higher-skill/higher-wage careers, while providing employers with the workers they need to accelerate growth. As a nonprofit, CareerEdge could do not conduct its innovative work without the support of funders. Read online

COVID-19 has dramatically impacted our economy, but the momentum of workforce development programs in our region remains strong. Through partnerships with 100 local businesses, CareerEdge has funded 329 internships for students to apply their knowledge outside the classroom this year. Internship outcomes from recent annual evaluation include: 94% of employers reported the internship added value to their organization, 94% of employers plan to offer additional internships and 64% of interns were hired at an average wage of $19.62/per hour.  This spring, COVID-19 dramatically impacted our workforce and education delivery systems. A $150,000 grant from Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation has been used to offer salary reimbursement to employers for on-the-job training, provide internship and apprenticeship opportunities, and increase existing workforce talent in our region.  Read More