FALL ISSUE | November 16, 2020
NEWS UPDATE
CareerEdge Provides Matching Funds to Purchase Equipment That Will Expand Skilled Trades Training
This fall, CareerEdge provided a $36,000 CARES Act matching grant to Suncoast Technical College (STC). The CareerEdge funding is for STC to purchase equipment that expands their rapid credentialing training capacity in HVAC, Automotive, Manufacturing and Marine industries. Over the course of the two-year grant, STC will train an additional 85 students, while CareerEdge will provide job coaching, mentoring and its Bridges to Careers soft skills training. 

The training will help local workers advance into higher-skill/higher-wage careers, while providing employers with the skilled trades talent they need to grow their pipeline. 
CareerEdge Strengthens Its Hands-On Training Approach
CareerEdge is launching a first of kind training to help ensure Suncoast Technical College (STC) construction students gain hands on experience by building their first tiny home. Approximately 180 students across 5 trades programs will gain hands on training over the next 10 months. All trades students from plumbing, construction, HVAC, drafting and electrical will work together to construct the tiny home on campus. 
The tiny home will be eco-friendly with rechargeable solar battery, and composting toilet. Upon completion the tiny home will become a rolling promotional center to encourage skilled trades to K-12 students and families in the Sarasota area. Activities will fill the space inside the home to provide students and families with information on skilled trades education and career opportunities.

Thank you to the Eppard Family Foundation for its financial support of this innovative type of training approach.
CareerEdge Continues to Invest in Regional Workforce Solutions
CareerEdge co-invested $212,499 in employer grants to train a total of 232 employees at Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Atlantic Mold, State Farm, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Tidewell Hospice and Suncoast Technical College Fast Track match grant. The total employer co-investment in the training is $723,397

The goal of CareerEdge funding is to increase skills to increase wages and improve quality life for our residents and provide a skilled talent pool for employers. 
Regional Workforce Legislative Policy Agenda
& Workforce Council Meeting
The Regional Workforce Legislative Policy has been finalized. The importance of the policy is to assist in establishing common legislative priorities by creating one unified voice around workforce in Sarasota and Manatee. This year the Legislative Policy includes tiers based on impact to our workforce climate. 

Access the Regional Workforce Legislative Policy Agenda by clicking the button below, or by clicking here: https://careeredgefunders.org/workforcelegislativepolicyagenda2021sessionfinal-2/
 
On November 10th, the Regional Workforce Council convened virtually, topics included the Workforce Policy Agenda, how to develop a unified workforce language approach, increasing alignment of services and Dr. Lori Roth presented on REI, Racial, Equity and Inclusion.
What's Ahead: Fast-Track Trainings
  • CareerEdge is working with Manatee Technical College to fund Plumbing and CNA Fast-Track trainings on their Bradenton Main Campus that begin January 26.
  • CareerEdge is working with Suncoast Technical College to launch an HVAC Fast-Track training that begins on January 26 on their North Port Campus.
For more information on the upcoming trainings, visit https://careeredgefunders.org/bridges-to-careers/.
CareerEdge in the News
Virtual 100th Annual Meeting
Featuring the Announcement of
Our New Brand
WHEN: Friday, November 20 | 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.
WHERE: Tune in to the event on the Chamber Facebook or Chamber YouTube 
We invite you to join us virtually this Friday for the 100th Annual Meeting! Learn about the accomplishments of the Chamber over the past year, and the upcoming goals and special events we have planned in celebration of the Chamber's 100th year anniversary.
Guest Speaker: Being a Resilient Leader in Turbulent Times
Hear from guest speaker Quint Studer, Founder, Studer Community Institute and Founder, Vibrant Community Partners, who will speak on being a resilient leader in turbulent times.
CAREEREDGE FUNDERS: Bank of America, Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, JP Morgan Chase, National Fund for Workforce Solutions, Sarasota County Government, Foundation for a Healthy St. Petersburg, The Boeing Company, The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, US Chamber of Commerce