cultivating prosperity through workforce DEVELOPMENT 

The Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce understands that one of the biggest challenges that our local businesses face is attracting and retaining talent. Our workforce initiative, CareerEdge Funders Collaborative, is guided by a demand-driven strategy and enhances the regional workforce through Fast-Track training, on-the-job training, internship reimbursement programs and employer funding to up-skill employees. 

​Mission: To provide an exceptional labor force to a region's growing industries by leveraging community assets and forming high-performing workforce partnerships.

How CareerEdge Works: 

• Unrestricted funds
• Employer-focused 
• Sector-based
• Data-driven
• Founded as a collaborative
• Serving as the regional convener on critical workforce issues
• Builds a skilled workforce in the region with a focus on fast-growing sectors:​​

2019 Projects: 

• $150,000 Boeing Grant for on-the-job training to up-skill workers in the manufacturing industry
• Launch of insurance branding videos to recruit talent and demystify the insurance industry
• Auto technician apprenticeship model
• New fast-track training in advanced manufacturing technology
• HVAC maintenance training in Newton
• $206,000 awarded to companies for up-skilling workers

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CareerEdge Funders Collaborative Program Evaluation Results 2011-2018

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