CareerEdge Partners with Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to Strengthen Local Workforce Development Initiative

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CareerEdge Partners with Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation to Strengthen Local Workforce Development Initiative

Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida (September 5, 2023) – CareerEdge, the workforce development initiative led by the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, has been awarded a significant grant from Barancik Foundation. This grant will assist unemployed and underemployed individuals unable to adequately earn livable wages to support themselves and their families because of a lack of skills or credentials needed to launch their careers.

The grant will be strategically channeled toward implementing demand-driven strategies that align with the evolving needs of the job market. CareerEdge plans to leverage these resources to enhance the Fast-Track training programs, on-the-job training initiatives, internship reimbursement programs, and employer-driven upskilling endeavors. This support will significantly enhance CareerEdge’s ability to empower individuals with relevant skills and ensure they are well-prepared to excel in their careers, ultimately fostering economic growth within the community.

“We know that one of the keys to strive for a successful and happy life in our region is a good job with potential for advancement,” said Teri A Hansen, CEO of Barancik Foundation. “CareerEdge helps lift the skill sets of our neighbors to boost their pay and provide them with opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise, and we are grateful for this program.”

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.

“This investment in CareerEdge’s programs is critical in supporting our team’s efforts to close skills gaps in our region, providing individuals with an opportunity to gain sought-after skills that will set them on a path with greater upward career trajectory and earning potential,” said Dan Sidler, Vice President of CareerEdge & Economic Development. “We are honored and grateful to continue our longstanding funding partnership with Barancik Foundation.”

CareerEdge and Local Auto Partners Unite for Tuition-Free Auto Lube Technician Training

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CareerEdge and Local Auto Partners Unite for Tuition-Free Auto Lube Technician Training

When: June 6 – August 30, 2023, Tuesday-Thursday 5:30 – 9:00 pm
Where: Suncoast Technical College, 4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Apply today: https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/

(April 13, 2023) Sarasota, FL.: CareerEdge is partnering with Suncoast Technical College (STC), local automotive groups, and dealers to offer a free FastTrack Auto Lube Technician training program in June. Employers are seeking to recruit and rapidly train workers for a unique and high-demand skill set and then further develop these employees through additional training. These “Bridges to Careers” FastTrack training programs continue to attract employer partners.

CareerEdge brought the employers and college together to determine the industry’s workforce needs and to identify the specific curriculum components of this program, which will be a condensed version of STC’s Automotive Service Technologies program.

The tuition-free class will begin June 6, 2023, and run through August 30 with classes held in the evening Tuesday-Thursday from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm at STC’s main campus, 4748 Beneva Road Sarasota, FL 34233. The program will also include CareerEdge’s “Bridges to Careers” soft skills and employability training. Funding for the program is made possible by the CareerEdge Funders Collaboration community.

Interested individuals should apply and interview with the dealership(s) of their choosing. The dealerships will hire select individuals at $16/hr for full-time positions, prior to the start of training. These individuals must attend the 12-week training.

Graduates of the program will be paid $17/hr full-time with benefits, with the potential to earn additional certificates, skills, and pay increases throughout their career. Eligibility includes having a clean background, agree to a background and drug test prior to starting the training, a valid and clean driver’s license for the past three years, ability to lift 75 lbs., reliable transportation, and enjoyment of hands-on work. Interested applicants must be Sarasota or Manatee County residents and apply by Tuesday, May 18th, those selected will be notified. The online application and links to employers’ applications can be found at:  https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/

CareerEdge’s Workforce Efforts Result in $4.6 million Economic Impact

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CareerEdge’s Workforce Efforts Result in $4.6 million Economic Impact

Sarasota-Bradenton, Florida (April 5, 2023) – CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, the workforce initiative of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, is proud to announce its efforts resulted in an economic impact of $4.6 million. Their funding opportunities, unique programs and strategic partnerships with employers, educators, government officials, and community stakeholders are significantly contributing to the region.  Their commitment and dedication to excellence resulted in high marks in several key areas of the evaluation.

CareerEdge’s 2022 Annual Evaluation shows the substantial impact to the region’s economy, including more than $1.1 million invested in workforce development, more than $3 million in added wages, 501 workers trained, the creation of 93 new jobs, 170 new employment opportunities and 671 new certifications earned.  The highly informative and detailed report includes other valuable metrics including demographics by age, gender, and ethnicity, certifications earned, and increases in annual wages.

Throughout 2022, CareerEdge achieved several notable honors while setting records in contributions to local business.  In May 2022, CareerEdge received Sarasota County School’s Outstanding Business Partner Award for its involvement in the creation of a Tiny Home project.  The two-year project was a combined effort between CareerEdge and Suncoast Technical College to allow students to learn construction-related skills by building a tiny home on the school’s campus.  In other major efforts, multiple “Bridges to Careers” FastTrack training programs contributed to the Marie Selby Gardens’ Master Plan in downtown Sarasota. 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.

Overall, the evaluation data announces another year of achievement for CareerEdge’s innovated 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) was used to estimate type II direct economic impacts of increased wages and jobs.

To access the full report, click here.

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 CareerEdge $125,000 to Train and Upskill Local Workforce

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 Gulf Coast Community Foundation Awards CareerEdge $125,000 to Train and Upskill Local Workforce

Sarasota, Fla. (August 1, 2022) 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, who was a founding investor in CareerEdge and continues to play an integral role in the region’s workforce development.

CareerEdge will use the grant funds for on-the-job training, internships, and salary subsidies for local employers.  They will also be used for CareerEdge’s Fast-Track training programs.  Fast-Track training is a way for employers to quickly fill in-demand job openings while offering rapid credentialing and certifications critical within the industry.

“Gulf Coast’s generous support will allow CareerEdge to continue the meaningful work of partnering with local companies to upskill and train their employees,” said Heather Kasten, President/CEO of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce. “Companies now more than ever, need a skilled workforce to accomplish their goals and demands.”

Gulf Coast Community Foundation’s cumulative support for CareerEdge now exceeds $1.5 million. The foundation was an inaugural investor when the initiative was launched back in 2009, and it has continued to help steer and fund CareerEdge since then.

“With the one-two punch from inflation, and a protracted pandemic, workforce readiness and economic diversification are greater priorities for our region now, more than ever—and therefore for Gulf Coast Community Foundation,” said Jon Thaxton, Gulf Coast’s senior vice president for community investment and co-chair of the CareerEdge Funders Committee. “CareerEdge continues to lead the way in providing responsive programs that help employers train and retain workers and provide them with career pathways otherwise difficult to navigate in these uncertain times.”

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Hires Vice President to Lead Chamber’s Workforce and Economic Development Initiatives

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The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce Hires Vice President
to Lead Chamber’s Workforce and Economic Development Initiatives

SARASOTA, Fla. (July 29, 2022) — The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that Dan Sidler has been selected to the position of Vice President CareerEdge and Economic Development.  In this role he is responsible for leading workforce initiatives of the Sarasota Chamber. This position oversees strategy, programs, communications, funding, budget, grant reporting, community partners and special projects. This position will also oversee the Chamber programs CareerEdge, Leadership Sarasota, Opportunities for All (OFA), and our Young Professionals Group, and will encompass policy/advocacy work.

Most recently, Dan served as Vice President for the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance. In this role, Dan led the team’s planning and delivery of the Alliance’s 75+ annual events, educational programs, and special projects, including the annual Alliance Gives Back Volunteer Days and the organization’s yearly leadership development program, The Executive Academy. He first joined the LWRBA in 2014 as Communications & Marketing Manager and was promoted to Vice President in 2020. Dan was the recipient of the 2021 Chairman’s Award, honoring his defining contributions to the Lakewood Ranch Business Alliance.

Prior to his time at the LWBRA, Dan spent three years at the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, where he first joined as a marketing intern during his final year of college. Dan holds a B.S. degree in Marketing from the University of South Florida.

Born and raised in Zürich, Switzerland, Dan has called Sarasota his home since 1999. In his free time, he enjoys time with friends and family and loves the outdoors, particularly playing his favorite hobby, disc golf.

“Workforce issues continue to be at the forefront of employer needs. We could not be more thrilled to have Dan on the Chamber team to champion the CareerEdge program and oversee the Chamber programs of Opportunities For All, Leadership Sarasota, and the Young Professionals Group. I am confident that Dan’s impressive background and experience will build upon the 11+ years of life changing work that has been accomplished through CareerEdge,” Heather Kasten, President/CEO.

For more information or to learn more about the CareerEdge initiative, please reach out to dsidler@sarasotachamber.com

Bank of America Awards CareerEdge $25,000 to Support Local Workforce Development

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Bank of America Awards CareerEdge $25,000 to Support Local Workforce Development

Sarasota, FL – (June 27, 2022) 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.  As a founding investor, this is the latest support the bank has provided CareerEdge in a 12-year partnership strengthening the workforce opportunities available to the Sarasota-Manatee community.

Today’s workforce climate is desperately in need of talent to fill job openings, especially at the entry-level. “What CareerEdge does very well is we take the time to listen to what employers need and help fill the gap,” says Kristi Hoskinson, vice president of CareerEdge.  “Our Bridges to Careers training model helps the under-served, under-employed, or unemployed by offering free training and opening a door to a new career.”  In 2021, 96 people graduated from one or more of its programs – 50% of them were non-white/BIPOC and 25% were unemployed prior to the training.  Participants averaged an increased hourly wage of $3.79 per hour post-training.  Participants will also receive financial education training from Bank of America’s Better Money Habits sessions as part of the Bridges to Careers experience.

 

Bank of America’s funding will also support CareerEdge’s on-the-job training (OJT) wage reimbursement program.  It will help reduce the expense of upskilling employees through salary reimbursement during the training period.  Employees earn a paycheck while learning in the actual environment where the work is performed, while employers are reimbursed a portion of the employee’s salary.  OJTs often result in an increase in wage, potential promotion, and/or certification earned. In 2021, trainees earned $2,787 more annually following an OJT experience.

“Local businesses are struggling to fill essential positions, and many in our community lack access to the training and experience required to successfully enter the workforce,” said Mike McCoy, President, Bank of America Sarasota-Manatee. “Bank of America is working with CareerEdge to bridge this gap by connecting employers with a talented workforce and setting Sarasota-Manatee’s next generation of professionals on the path to better economic futures.”

 

CareerEdge’s ability to make a favorable impact in regional workforce development would not be possible without the on-going commitment from donors like Bank of America.  They are committed to improving the labor market in our ever-growing region by providing opportunities to both individuals and employers.  CareerEdge is positioned well to continue to make an impact and seek out innovative workforce solutions for employers and the community.

Regions Foundation Funds $30,000 to CareerEdge to Support Local Workforce Development

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Regions Foundation Funds $30,000 to CareerEdge to Support Local Workforce Development

Sarasota, FL – (June 15, 2022) – 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.

Bridges to Careers is a signature training program of CareerEdge that enhances the skills and earning capacities of people in our community by providing them with an opportunity to obtain necessary training and credentialing to enter the workforce successfully. Often this training takes place using a “fast-track” approach, upskilling the participants in a compressed timeframe while effectively preparing them to deliver the skills employers need in today’s job market. This program also includes CareerEdge’s Life & Career skills training and resume assistance services.

In 2021, CareerEdge’s Bridges to Careers initiative offered essential training in the targeted industries of healthcare, manufacturing, automotive, and skilled trades. Ninety-six people graduated from one or more of these programs – 50% of them were non-white/BIPOC and 25% were unemployed prior to the training.

“Workforce development programs open up new opportunities and empower people to build a successful future, and that is why the Regions Foundation is honored to support the Bridges to Careers initiative,” said Marta Self, executive director of the Regions Foundation. “Often the difference between those who succeed, and those who do not, is whether they had access to the right opportunities. Hands down, the Bridges to Careers program is life-changing for its participants, and we appreciate the Sarasota Chamber for making this program available to people across the Suncoast.”

“We are so grateful for the Regions Foundation funding to support our Bridges to Careers program,” said vice president of CareerEdge, Kristi Hoskinson. “The funding helps many individuals in our community seeking to begin a career and improve their earnings to support themselves and their families. The post-training opportunities are life-changing,” she adds.

The Regions Foundation and Regions Bank both prioritize workforce development initiatives as part of their strategy for community engagement. That strategy is rooted in the concept of creating more inclusive prosperity. By supporting initiatives that help people secure well-paying jobs, as well as initiatives that contribute to economic and community development, both the Regions Foundation and Regions Bank are able to make a measurable difference in the communities they serve.

“Regions Bank has a long-standing and collaborative relationship with the Sarasota Chamber, and we appreciate our colleagues at the Regions Foundation for providing generous funding in support of the Chamber’s efforts to build more inclusive prosperity through workforce readiness,” said Earnest Wilks, Sarasota market executive for Regions Bank. “Our goal is to see all people of Sarasota thrive. That’s why we applaud programs like CareerEdge that empower people with the tools they need to succeed.”

CareerEdge Receives Sarasota County Schools’ Outstanding Business Partner Award

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CareerEdge Receives Sarasota County Schools’ Outstanding Business Partner Award

SARASOTA, Fla. (May 12, 2022) — 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.  The award, coming from the Commissioner of the Florida Department of Education, recognizes outstanding business partners that support students through their work with individual schools or school systems.  Starting in 1987, the Florida Education Foundation has celebrated the commitment between businesses and their school districts. The goal of the awards is to recognize leaders and partners who have shown commitment to positive change and new approaches to improving the academic performance of students in Florida.

CareerEdge was submitted for this award because of the work done with Suncoast Technical College (STC) on the Tiny Home project.  The two-year project was a combined effort between CareerEdge and STC to allow students to learn construction-related skills by building a tiny home on the school campus.  185 students earned a total of 145 industry-recognized certifications throughout the course of the project.  This project will continue to serve as a rolling promotional center to encourage skilled trades education and careers to K-12 students and families in the community.

“We are so honored to receive this award this year. Our partnership has been long-standing with STC and adding in the Tiny Home project deepened our collaboration. Together, we are training the future generation of skilled workers,” says Kristi Hoskinson, vice president of CareerEdge.

As this year’s district winner, CareerEdge is now nominated by Sarasota County Schools for the Florida Department of Education 2022 Commissioner’s Business Recognition Award.