NEWS UPDATE

$642,203 Awarded to CareerEdge for Up-Skilling Workers

C areerEdge raised $642,203 from nine different organizations including financial institutions, city government, private foundations – both local and national. With the support of these private and public grants CareerEdge will continue its efforts to improve the workforce climate in Sarasota and Manatee counties. Public funding represents only 2.5% of the total amount raised.

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 not conduct its innovative work without the support of donors.

Many thanks to:  Gulf Coast Community Foundation, Charles & Margery Barancik Foundation, Eppard Family Foundation, Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation, The Boeing Company, US Chamber of Commerce, Bank of America, City of Sarasota, Regions Bank, and The National Fund for Workforce Solutions.

CareerEdge is one of two nationwide sites selected to launch the second phase of a Boeing on-the-job-training grant to upskill and increase wages for workers in the manufacturing industry. On-the-job-training (OJT) is a hands-on method of teaching workers the knowledge, skills and competencies needed to perform a specific job. Employees will earn a paycheck while learning in the actual environment where work is performed.

CareerEdge’s goals include addressing a worker shortage in advanced manufacturing locally while providing an opportunity for workers to obtain employment at livable and competitive wages. CareerEdge can provide 50% salary reimbursement up to $13/hour and will assist a total of 40 workers or job seekers over the course of this two-year grant.

Automotive Fast-Track Graduation at STC July 24th

On July 24 ^th CareerEdge and STC hosted a graduation ceremony for 14 graduates of our Auto Lube and Auto Electrical Fast-Track Trainings that began in April. Between both cohorts’ students were hired by local automotive dealerships Gettel, Sunset, Peterson Toyota and Wilde Honda at the start of the training.  Students worked at the dealerships during the day getting hands on experience while attending class at night. Upon completion of this training, all students received an increase wage. Thank you to the Eppard Family Foundation for covering the cost of the cohort's tuition and to the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation for funding the electrical class portion of the program.

Regional Workforce Solutions Summit Held at

USF Sarasota-Manatee

The Institute for Public Policy and Leadership at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee, in partnership with the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce/CareerEdge, hosted a Regional Workforce Solutions Summit on June 21, 2019. The group included a variety of workforce minded groups ranging from community-based organizations, Economic Development Corporations, Manatee Chamber of Commerce, educators and local government. Collectively, they identified actionable policy issues for consistent advocacy efforts by workforce stakeholders with local and state decision makers. The Workforce Policy Agenda will establish common legislative priorities creating one unified voice around workforce in Sarasota and Manatee. 

Manufacturing Fast-Track Training at STC

Now Accepting Applications

CareerEdge is looking for students to participate in its Advanced Manufacturing

Fast-Track Training at Suncoast Technical College August 19 – October 23, Monday – Wednesday 5:30 – 9:00 p.m. This training is the first step for those new or just entering the manufacturing industry. The average annual salary for most of these positions is $31,200.  Students will learn intro to machining, blue print basics, hand & bench basics, and intro to machine assembly. CareerEdge is providing free tuition for up to 25 students.

What's Next for Sarasota and Manatee Counties

Jonathan R. Lewis

Sarasota County Administrator

Cheri Coryea

Manatee County Administrator

WHEN: Thursday, August 8 | 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

WHERE: Carlisle Inn - Sarasota | 3713 Bahia Vista Street | Sarasota, FL 34232

Learn how our two neighboring counties work together and what’s in store for the future of our region. Sarasota County Administrator Jonathan Lewis and Manatee County Administrator Cheri Coryea join us to present a look at their respective counties, including recent successes and what’s to come . Find out more about the work each county is doing independently, as well as together, in order to impact our region and build the framework for cultural and economic growth into the future.

Chamber Members - $30

Non-Members - $40

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