Workforce Assistance


 
Workforce Assistance
Labor Resource Team
A team of training and employment specialists can be available to meet with companies, on-site, to identify specific employment needs.  For example, skills upgrade training, OSHA certifications, etc. This team then works with the company to develop a specific plan to address those needs.  The team can be comprised of representatives from the community college, technical institute and one-stop career centers.
Regional Job Websites
Employers in Manatee and Sarasota Counties can use JobFocus, a FREE regional website, to post their job openings and search posted resumes.  Jobseekers can search for open positions as well as post their resumes on this site.  
Suncoast Workforce provides a wide range of employment services to both employers and employees.  There are 3 local offices to assist the needs of a job seeker or employer.  All services are provided FREE.

Employ Florida  is - A FREE state web portal where jobseekers and employers can gain access to a complete set of employment tools in one web site.  
Relocation
The Employee Relocation Program is a program of the Economic Development Council designed to assist companies in successful employee recruitment and relocation.  The focus of this program is on the employee or potential employee's family and helping them make a successful transition into the community.  The program enables the new employee and his/her family to meet with, and start relationships with local residents other than company related staff.  It is available to a new or transferred employee when the company is picking up the moving costs associated with the relocation.
Resume Summary Listing
The EDC also offers a FREE resume summary listing where jobseekers provide their resume along with a short summary.  The summaries are published and faxed to all value-added companies in Manatee County.  If a company is interested in a particular summary(ies), they can contact the EDC and the resumes will be faxed to their attention.  This service is widely used by local companies as well as job seekers. 
Trailing Spouse Program
The EDC recognizes that 50% of families are now dual career professionals, and that employment for the “trailing spouse” is a top concern both for the relocating family and the employer.  Through available resources, local business contacts and the Tampa Bay Partnership, the EDC can assist spouses of relocating employees in finding a job in their career field.
Job Fairs
Job fairs are coordinated by the Suncoast Workforce throughout the year where job seekers can meet employers who have immediate hiring needs.  In certain circumstances, employers can make arrangements to conduct individual job fairs at the one-stop office.
Training Grant Programs
Training funds are available locally through the Suncoast Workforce the regional one-stop career center, as well as through Workforce Florida, Inc., the state's workforce development organization.  New or expanding companies in Manatee County who create new jobs in the county or who upgrade the skills of their existing workforce may be eligible for these funds.  The EDC can assist companies in determining whether they qualify for grants as well as assistance in identifying training providers.  A sample of how training grants have been used to upgrade the skills of local employees include:  forklift training, leadership and team building, CPR, soldering, train the trainer and workplace Spanish.
Grants available, and funded on an annual basis include:
u  Employed Worker Training
u  Incumbent Worker Training
u  Quick Response Training
u  Training Grant Matrix
Internships
The EDC coordinates the internship program by providing a mechanism to match student interns with local businesses, and is dedicated to providing the opportunity for interns to gain the necessary skills and knowledge they need in order to become viable and successful citizens in the community.
Employers
Businesses can participate in the internship program by hosting one or more interns at their site.  In doing so, companies can help create a labor pool of potential employees who will tend to remain in the community because of their internship experiences.  Employers interested in hiring potential interns can access the intership feature on www.jobfocus.com.
Students
Internships provide an opportunity for students to preview a career by way of “meaningful” workplace experience.  Students develop a connection between what they learn in school and how it applies in the “real” world.  Students can indicate their interest in intership opportunities by posting their resume on www.jobfocus.com.