Grant Enables Goodwill to Subsidize Security Guard Training

October 2 – Sarasota

 In order to help community members who are looking to enhance their skills and earn a better, more livable wage, Goodwill Manasota has enabled security guard training through generous funding from the Evans Family Charitable Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation. The grant is designated for the enrollment of 12 community members in the Class D Security Guard License course, led by instructors from Bradenton company Right On Target Security Academy LLC, with a goal of 10 earning their certification. 

The first group of four subsidized participants – including three veterans – has successfully completed their coursework and two new candidates referred and subsidized by Goodwill began the class on September 21. 

The participants were recruited through Goodwill’s Job Connection office at Turning Points, Goodwill’s Corporate Campus Job Connection, and its Veterans Services Program office. The program is for Manatee County residents who are currently unemployed or underemployed. Interested community members who require soft skills training in advance of sitting for classes will have access to Goodwill Works job skills classes to lower barriers to employment and self-sufficiency.

“With licensure, certification and employment in a growth industry, our hope is that participants are able to break the cycle of poverty for their families,” said Goodwill vice president Margie Genter. “Increasing financial stability results in an increased likelihood of continued advancement as well as other benefits such as becoming banked, enjoying more stable housing, better nutrition, and so much more. We are grateful to Manatee Community Foundation for investing in this pilot program.”

The goal is for 10 participants to be placed in jobs with hourly wages of $13 or more. The hourly rate of $13 is above the United Way ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) survival wage for Manatee County. Goodwill hopes to see a retention rate of at least 75% after one year of employment.

The Class D Security License, which is mandatory to work in the private security industry, requires 40 hours of training from a licensed security school. According to Indeed, the average salary for a security guard is above $13/hour, with higher pay for armed security.

For more about Goodwill, go to experiencegoodwill.org or call 941-355-2721.