WORKFORCE CONNECTION

Update from CareerSource Gulf Coast

by: Kim Bodine, Executive Director, CareerSource Gulf Coast

The CareerSource Gulf Coast Board of Directors recently gathered to mark 26 years of service and success at its annual luncheon, with more than 90 guests of honor, including Board members, County Commissioners, State of Florida legislators and officials, key service providers, program participants, and workforce staff throughout the region.

It was a strong year for the local workforce board as the economy emerged from a pandemic. The labor force grew to levels experienced pre-Hurricane Michael, and the unemployment rate still hovers at a historic low.

Performance highlights include:

> Assisting 1,067 employers recruit and hire workers

> Providing 13,352 services to businesses

> Providing training and employment services to 141 adults, dislocated workers, and youth under the Workforce Innovation &

Opportunity Act

> An average wage of $25.91/hour at placement for training participants

> Assisting 4,279 jobseekers

> Providing 22,755 services to jobseekers

Programs delivered by CareerSource Gulf Coast reach across the region, touching the lives of countless families. The success stories of several individuals who participated in a CareerSource Gulf Coast program were featured with a series of short films. Each testimonial conveyed the impact a workforce development program had on the lives of actual clients in our community.

Success Stories showcased included training program participants who were supported by CareerSource Gulf Coast training scholarships for in demand occupations in the region. These stories included participants who completed training in law enforcement, nursing, and CDL trucking. Out-of-school youth program participants received guidance and support while attaining a GED, and a recent high school graduate flourished in a summer internship program that led to a full-time career and enrollment in college. Clients receiving SNAP and Welfare Transition were able to successfully find employment, continue their educations, and work towards economic self-sufficiency. Finally, the story of a former opioid addict who was released from incarceration was featured, as he found employment with a second-chance employer through a special Fostering Opioid Recovery grant. The many workforce professionals in attendance were acknowledged for their role in supporting the clients who walk through our doors each day. These workforce professionals have a mission to improve the lives of people in our community—business owners, job seekers, youth and young adults, veterans, military spouses, and transitioning military service members.

The meeting concluded with a vote on a new slate of officers for the CareerSource Gulf Coast Board of Directors for the new year. The gavel was passed to incoming Chairman Elinor Mount-Simmons from outgoing Chairman Dr. Patricia Hardman. Joey Ginn, Market President of Centennial Bank in Bay County, was elected Vice Chair.

As we ring in 2023, we will continue the important work that improves lives and contributes to a thriving economy. There’s never a bad time to connect with us to find a pathway to a great employee, a great training program to achieve your career goals, or a first or new job.

CareerSource Gulf Coast is one of 24 regional workforce boards in the State of Florida and provides services to job seekers and employers in Bay, Gulf and Franklin Counties. Visit www.careersourcegc.com to learn more about professional workforce development and job placement services, all offered at no charge.