PARTNERS WITH EMPLOYERS TO PILOT
EXPRESS TRAINING PROGRAMS
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CAREEREDGE HAS PILOTED A UNIQUE MODEL IN PARTNERSHIP WITH EMPLOYERS, post-secondary institutions, and communitybased organizations to provide short-term training programs in high demand skilled trade occupations. Given the tight labor market, employers are desperate for talent and willing to help develop workers with on-the-job training,
mentorships, and apprenticeships in order to close skills gaps. At the same time, under-employed local community members are eager to learn a trade and earn credentials which will allow them the opportunity to enter a career pathway with family-sustaining wages. Companies cannot wait months or years for trained talent, and individuals cannot afford to attend costly long-term post-
secondary programs while trying to support themselves and often family members. CareerEdge recently concept-tested this “Express Program” model in the Trades Sector to provide foundational training with industryrecognized credentials, as well as soft skills training and financial education through CareerEdge’s successful Bridges to Careers curriculum. As part of the Express Program, employers offer ongoing work-based learning opportunities to further develop the graduates. Technical fast-track programs piloted include those in Electrical, Plumbing, Broadband, and
Automotive Technicians. Graduates of the Express Programs are placed directly with employers in full-time paid positions with benefits. While some participants will enter formal apprenticeship or mentorship programs, others will begin as interns in CareerEdge’s Internship Reimbursement program which incentivizes employers with up to $1,000 in reimbursement funds. Major goals of this project include minimizing industry skill gaps and assisting regional employers to meet their workforce needs, while also helping unemployed, low-wage and low-skill workers earn industry certifications and obtain
BRIDGE
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OCTOBER 2018
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GREATER SARASOTA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE MEMBER MAGAZINE
