CareerEdge Helps Employers Grow and Develop Talent

February 23, 2022 – Sarasota

CareerEdge will open its annual application process for its Upskilling Workers grant funding on Tuesday, March 1 soliciting plans from manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, skilled trades, and automotive employers in Manatee and Sarasota Counties. CareerEdge recognizes that training a workforce is an investment of time and money. This funding helps offset a portion of that expense creating a sustainable approach to training and development and increased earning potential for workers. “I am very appreciative for this amazing opportunity to grow and further my career. Without this opportunity, it would have made things very difficult for me and my family to get the schooling done. I would recommend this program opportunity to anyone, it was a fantastic education and I have learned so much already,” says Zachary Abbady, a CNA-trained employee at Sarasota Memorial Hospital.                                                                       

CareerEdge offers grant funding to eligible employers who will use the funding to increase employees’ skills, accelerate promotions, and provide wage increases for incumbent workers. Employers may request grants of $15,000 to $50,000 to implement training programs up to 18 months in duration, with employee wages and employment status reported for two years upon training completion. This funding supports employers who invest in their employees by way of training resulting in earned industry-related credentials and/or occupational specific certificates. Since 2010, CareerEdge has invested over $14 million in workforce development resulting in over 6,000 individuals trained in our community earning industry-recognized certifications and securing gainful employment. To be eligible for this funding, employers must:·         

Be a Sarasota Chamber member located in Sarasota or Manatee County·         

Successfully submit a letter of interest to CareerEdge by March 15·         

Complete CareerEdge’s online grant application by April 15 Employers will be informed of their funding allotment by mid-May with the deployment of funds taking place on June 1, 2022. For more information, please contact Kristi Hoskinson, vice president of CareerEdge, at (941) 556-4045. Funding for the development of workers is made possible thanks to the Barancik Foundation, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, and Sarasota County Government.