Bridges To Careers
Meeting Our Community’s Workforce Needs
Bridges to Careers course deliveries are customized for both the audience served, as well as for individual employers or industry groups. Many programs are also delivered in tandem with industry-recognized certification programs to give participants job training in specific, high demand careers. In 2019, 140 participants were employed full or part time within two years of entering the program, participants saw an average wage increase of 56% in hourly wages. Post-training wages ranged from $12.50 to $20.50 per hour.
Bridges to Careers includes learning modules in:
Life & Career Skills Training
- Attitude is Everything
- Conflict to Resolution
- Professionalism in the Workplace
- Customer Service
- Stress Management Teamwork
- Time Management
Employability Training
- Resume Assistance
- Job Applications
- Interviewing Skills
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What are the Bridges to Careers Programs?
- It is an employer-led, hands-on skills training in HVAC, Plumbing, Auto Lube, Marine Outboard, Auto/Marine Electrical, Construction, and Healthcare (CNA)
- It is a tuition-free training and is held in the evening so participants can earn a wage during the day
- The training experience includes life and career skills training and/or financial literacy training
- Some programs also offer guest speakers and employer tours
Current industries who are participating:
- Construction
- Automotive
- Plumbing
- HVAC
- Manufacturing
- Marine
- Healthcare
Upcoming 2027 Fast Tracks
Before You Apply:
Interested in a Fast Tracks training program? Before completing your application, take a moment to review the application process and eligibility requirements below. This will help you understand what to expect and make sure you’re prepared to take the next step toward your career goals.
STC TUITION-FREE CERTIFIED NURSING ASSISTANT (CNA) TRAINING
Upcoming Start Dates:
November 2, 2026
January 5, 2027
February 22, 2027
April 12, 2027
Days: Monday - Thursday
Classroom: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Clinical: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Location: Suncoast Technical College. 4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Click Here to Learn More About the School
American Vocational Academy - 13 Week HVAC Program
Tentative Schedule: January 19, 2027 – April 22, 2027
Orientation: January 15 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Days: Tuesday - Friday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: American Vocational Academy (1080 Enterprise Ct. Unit B Nokomis, FL 34275)
Click Here to Learn More About the School
American Vocational Academy - 13 Week Plumbing Program
Tentative Schedule: January 19, 2027 – April 22, 2027
Orientation: January 15 (11:00 AM - 1:00 PM)
Days: Tuesday - Friday
Hours: 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Location: American Vocational Academy (1080 Enterprise Ct. Unit B Nokomis, FL 34275)
Click Here to Learn More About the School
⇒ NEW! Earn Credit Toward Your Plumbing Career
Complete this program and start your registered plumbing apprenticeship as a Year 2 apprentice—earning one year of apprenticeship credit in just three months.
Meridian West Central College - 10 Week CNA Program
Tentative Schedule: February 8, 2027 – April 15, 2027
Days: Hybrid Schedule - (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday: Online) (Thursday, Friday: In Class/ Clinical Site)
Hours: 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM or 5:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Location: Meridian West Central College (201 Montgomery Ave, Sarasota, FL 34243)
Click Here to Learn More About the School
STC TUITION-FREE INTRODUCTION TO AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY
Tentative Dates: July 12, 2027 – October 4, 2027
Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Hours: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Suncoast Technical College. 4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Click Here to Learn More About the School
STC TUITION-FREE AUTO ELECTRICAL
Tentative Dates: July 12, 2027 – October 4, 2027
Days: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays
Hours: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Suncoast Technical College. 4748 S Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
Click Here to Learn More About the School
Provider of financial wellness programming within the FastTrack program:
APPLICATION PROCESS & ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS
BEFORE YOU APPLY:
- Apply – Complete an application for the program you’re interested in.
- Complete a Short Assessment – Complete a brief assessment as part of the application process.
- Interview with CareerEdge – Meet with a CareerEdge team member to discuss your goals, availability, and readiness for the program.
- Application Review – Our team will review your complete application to determine eligibility for funding.
- Start Your Program! – If approved for CareerEdge funding, you’ll receive next steps to prepare for and begin your training program.
- To be considered for CareerEdge funding, applicants must:
- Be 18 years of age or older
- Be a resident of Sarasota or Manatee County
- Be able to pass a background check
- Be able to pass a drug screening
Please note: Meeting the eligibility requirements and completing the application process does not guarantee funding. Funding is subject to application review and availability.
Bridges to Careers Partners:
- American Vocational Academy
- Bank of America
- Charles and Margery Barancik Foundation
- Dwyer Workforce Development
- Eppard Family Foundation
- FleetForce
- Florida Blue Foundation
- Gulf Coast Community Foundation
- Manatee Technical College
- Meridian West Central College
- National Fund For Workforce Solutions
- Regions Bank
- Sarasota County Government
- State College of Florida
- Suncoast Technical College
- Technical Education Council
- Truist Foundation
To learn more about our training programs, please reach us at:
p: 941.556.4045 or
e: careeredgeinfo@sarasotachamber.com