workforce connection Update from CareerSource Gulf Coast by: Kim Bodine, Executive Director, CareerSource Gulf Coast
T
he pandemic caused millions of people to reassess what’s important in a career as well as in their lives which led to record numbers of employees quitting
for candidates, and provides basic soft skills and employability skills training. Interns are also guided by career coaches who offer
their jobs. This massive break up between workers and employers
mentoring and provide supportive services to cover costs associ-
has been dubbed “The Great Resignation.” In reality, the shift could
ated with transportation, uniforms, and tools.
be called the “Great Reshuffling” as many individuals seek new careers that offer not just higher wages and financial incentives,
Scholarships for in-demand CTE programs — learning new
but also benefits that lead to better work-life balance and solid
skills or upgrading skills are great ways to start a career and move
career paths.
up at one’s current job. Career and Technical Education (CTE)
Some employers are responding to the competition for workers with a host of appealing benefit offerings. Companies are also desperately trying to retain their current talent while also looking within their own ranks to fill positions. Training and upskilling opportunities are a desirable employee benefit and can be a powerful means to attract and retain talent. Employers and jobseekers have support available to implement and take advantage of grant-funded learning and development programs through collaboration with their local workforce devel-
programs can provide funding for in-demand career training that provide industry-recognized credentials or certifications. Scholarships, awarded based on WIOA eligibility guidelines and funding availability, may cover tuition, books, uniforms, testing fees and other supportive services.
Quick Response Training — new and expanding businesses in qualified targeted industries may receive grant funding for customized, skills-based curriculum development and training, through partial reimbursement. It may also cover related equipment costs.
opment boards, economic development associations, and career
Incumbent Worker Training — a program providing grant fund-
and technical education partners.
ing for continuing education and training of current employees
CareerSource Gulf Coast’s mission is to connect employers with qualified, skilled talent and Floridians with employment and career development opportunities to achieve economic prosperity. There are a variety of programs offered in the State of Florida which have been made available predominantly through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and facilitated by local workforce boards such as CareerSource Gulf Coast, CareerSource Florida and the Department of Economic Opportunity. These include:
Apprenticeships — a proven earn and learn strategy for meeting the business needs for a highly skilled workforce that continues to
at existing for-profit Florida businesses or hospitals operated by nonprofit or local government entities in the State of Florida. The grants reimburse companies up to 75 percent for pre-approved training costs. Based on the needs of the company and their overall workforce development needs, the company chooses its own training and training provider that provide employees with opportunities to acquire new or improved skills by earning a credential of a Master Credentials List. Training, reskilling, and upskilling are win-win programs for Floridians. These programs give Florida businesses a competitive advantage in attracting and retaining employees. They can increase competitiveness, create a skilled workforce, increase productivity,
innovate and adapt to meet the needs of the 21st century. These
increase profits, reduce turnover and aide in company growth.
programs fill the skills gap that may exist in the workforce. Appren-
Employees offered training and development find the career paths
ticeships provide a paycheck from day one with wage increases
they desire leading to their retention while also equipping them
as apprentices become more proficient. The programs connect
with transferrable skills that increase their advancement and
education and work resulting in industry-recognized credentials
career opportunities.
that can lead to associate’s and bachelor’s degrees.
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CareerSource Gulf Coast pays the wages, helps recruit and screen
Whether you are an employer or jobseeker, we encourage you to
Internship programs — short-term earn-while-you-learn pro-
start the conversation about implementing training and develop-
grams for Floridians wishing to gain work experience in desirable
ment programs. Connect with CareerSource Gulf Coast’s team
industries. These programs build a pipeline of talent and a career
of professional staff and its network of community partners and
pathway for permanent employment at the assigned worksite.
educational institutions.
BAY BIZ / SPRING 2022
