Regional Workforce Sets Legislative Priorities
Workforce development is an integral and essential element of the healthy, sustained, and diverse economic development of the region and state. In September, the regional workforce council convened to review the 2022 legislative workforce and education priorities as recommended by the public policy committee.

The policy recommendations propose legislative actions that advance and support the strategic goal of providing skilled and motivated workers, and is supported by the region’s educational, governmental, non-profit, and private sector partners.

The priorities were presented to our representatives at the Sarasota County Legislative Delegation meeting in September. Further conversation will take place at the end of November when Kristi Hoskinson, vice president of CareerEdge and Heather Kasten, president/CEO, of the Sarasota Chamber have 1:1’s with our delegates in Tallahassee.
Training When Time and Talent Is Limited
Developing your workforce takes deliberate intention. In this challenging hiring season, many employers are deeply focused on filling open positions. There are, however, many local employers - across diverse industries – who are also investing in their entry-level employees to develop their skills. Local employers such as Wilde Honda, Sunset Automotive, Chris-Craft, Manatee Memorial Hospital, The Haven, and SRQ Marine, are taking advantage of the tuition-free Fast-Track training, sponsored by CareerEdge.

When an employer partner selects an employee to go through the Fast-Track training program, they agree to a $1.00 wage increase for every employee who completes the training program. Not only does the employee graduate with industry-endorsed certifications and more advanced skills, they also benefit from additional income moving forward. It’s a win-win for the employer and the employee.

Stay tuned for CareerEdge’s Fast-Track training programs in 2022!
STC Marine Fast-Track Graduation
Is Your Workforce Training Plan Ready?
CareerEdge offers Upskilling Workers grants to eligible businesses who will use funding to increase skills, accelerate promotions, and provide wage increases for incumbent workers. Employers may request grants of $15,000 to $50,000 to implement training programs up to 12 months in duration, with employee wages and employment status reported for two years upon training completion.

Is your company ready to apply? CareerEdge opens its grant cycle in the Spring 2022. If you are interested in seeking funding, now is the time to begin building out your 2022 workforce training plan. 
These questions below will help you get started:
  • What training challenges are you facing?
  • Who has been identified to be trained/ upskilled in 2022?
  • What industry-endorsed certification, designation, or degree will the employee receive as a result of this training?
  • Who will provide the training; where and when?
  • What will be the expense for the training tuition and supplies?
  • Why is this training important to the development of your workforce?
  • How will the employee’s career pathway and earning potential favorably improve because of their training achievements?
Chris-Craft Training:
Manufacturing Basics
For more information on this grant funding opportunity and to help your company prepare for the application process, please reach out to Kristi Hoskinson.

Additionally, if you are interested in obtaining On-The-Job Training funding, or Internship funding, we are here for you! Please see the flyer for more information. 
CareerEdge In the News
CareerEdge Testimonials
Quality Instruction
“We have two excellent professors teaching us - excellent communication. I could understand everything, I learned a lot.”  
Life & Career Skills
“The career skills program has given me access to training to get started in a new career with higher income potential. The resume assistance was helpful.” 
Affordable Learning
“It's amazing that it's offered free to people who qualify. It would have been a financial strain to afford this on my own. The weeknights and weekend classes fit into my schedule as a full-time worker and mom. The program and professors are very supportive and invested in student success.”