July 2024
The SWFL Equitable Jobs Pipeline team continues to work daily to upskill the regional workforce and stimulate economic development, which will continue to build and expand a strong economic future for Florida.
FutureMakers Coalition Healthcare System Alignment Tackles Nursing Retention Crisis
The FutureMakers Coalition healthcare system alignment is a robust group of employer partners, training partners, non-profit organizations, and more that come together monthly to address the workforce needs in the healthcare industry. This dedicated team has been working together to address critical issues to help the healthcare workforce in Southwest Florida since 2016.
One of the pressing issues the coalition is currently addressing is nursing retention. According to recent data, 18% of newly licensed nurses quit the profession in the first year (FCN, 2023). Furthermore, RegisteredNursing.org (2024) reports that 33% of new nurses leave the profession within the first two years of professional practice. Over the next five years, 13.5% of nurses in Florida plan to work less, leave the profession, and/or retire (FCN, 2023).
To tackle this issue, the Healthcare Alignment (HCA) team is working on a pilot project specifically aimed at improving nursing retention rates. This project is spearheaded by Dr. Lisa Wright, the Health Occupations Coordinator at the School District of Lee County, and includes key members from the human resources teams at Cypress Living and Shellpoint Retirement Community.
This collaborative effort is a testament to the power of the FutureMakers Coalition partners coming together to solve significant challenges. By leveraging the strengths and resources of various stakeholders, the coalition aims to create a more stable and resilient healthcare workforce in Southwest Florida.
The pilot project involves developing and implementing a mentorship program to support newly licensed nurses, enhance their job satisfaction, and provide a conducive work environment while also giving the seasoned nurse a chance to expand his or her nursing skills. By addressing the root causes of high turnover rates, the HCA team hopes to retain more nurses in the profession, thereby improving the overall quality of healthcare services in the region. The team is excited to pilot this first stage of the program with a handful of long-term care facilities and then plans to replicate and sustain the program across multiple facilities.
This initiative is an inspiring example of how collaborative efforts and innovative solutions can make a substantial impact on critical workforce issues. The FutureMakers Coalition remains committed to supporting the healthcare industry and ensuring that Southwest Florida has a skilled and dedicated healthcare workforce for years to come.
Student Success Story
Kristy, an unemployed single mom, was determined to pursue a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). With a keen interest in healthcare and a desire for stability, Kristy embarked on a path to better her life. Her immediate goal was securing a job that not only offered financial security but also accommodated her responsibilities as a single parent. Kristy’s journey involved overcoming challenges such as finding support to cover educational expenses and childcare.
Kristy enrolled in a rigorous CNA training program at Cape Coral Technical College, diligently attending classes and completing clinical rotations. Despite financial constraints, Kristy received the support from FutureMakers Coalition which allowed her to focus on her studies without worry. Her dedication paid off as she excelled in her coursework and passed her certification exam. Shortly after completing her training, Kristy landed a job at Shellpoint Retirement Community as a Certified Nursing Assistant. Beyond financial stability, Kristy has found fulfillment in her work, knowing that her efforts are making a meaningful impact on the lives of others. With the support of FutureMakers Coalition, Kristy not only achieved her career goals but also gained a strong foundation for future growth and opportunities in healthcare.
EDA Good Jobs Challenge 2024 Quarter 1 Data Update
Partnership for Sustainability RFP Round 3 Opens August 15th!
The Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline is actively seeking employer partners in Southwest Florida who are enthusiastic about sustaining workforce development initiatives in four key sectors for both new and existing employees: PK-12 Education, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Healthcare through participation in the Equitable Jobs Pipeline. Ideally, proposals will include a well-defined strategy for the employer to gradually assume the cost of training, with the goal of achieving sustainability by December 2025.
Total amount to be awarded: $3,800,000.00
Proposals will be accepted between January 15, 2024 through October 31st 2024, with awards going out in April, July and December.
If you need help, we will work with you to determine the best education partner and a plan to assume the cost of training over time.
Funded Programs
Click on the flyer to open the full list of training opportunities powered by the Equitable Jobs Pipeline project.
Should you require guidance in connecting with any of these programs, don’t hesitate to reach out to a FutureMakers Navigator to connect you by clicking here: FutureMakers Coalition Navigators
*List of programs will be updated as additional training programs finalize funding.
Sectoral partner convenings will be held during the monthly system alignment team meetings. Sector specific teams will include employers, education partners and non-profit organizations with the intent to address the workforce and education needs in our region. The links to sign up are below and/or can be found on our website: www.FutureMakersCoalition.com/Events.
Get Connected!
Our Navigators want to connect with you! The FutureMakers Coalition Navigators are ready to work with adults wanting to get a credential to upskill or start their career. These free services allows Navigators to walk along side you to help you be successful! Check out the map below to see who we are working with in the region.
Upcoming Events
July 11th-Healthcare System Alignment Team
Employer partners, postsecondary institutions and community partners are invited to join the conversation to address the workforce needs of the healthcare system.
July 16th Aspiration & Preparation Regional Action Team
The Aspiration & Preparation Regional Action Team is focused on getting students ready for education beyond high school and the workforce.
July 25th-Access and Entry Team
This is the team focused on getting students into education beyond high school.
August 1st-Healthcare System Alignment Team
Employer partners, postsecondary institutions and community partners are invited to join the conversation to address the workforce needs of the healthcare system.
August 12th- Persistence and Completion Regional Action Team
This is the team focused on helping all students persist through their training programs, completing and connecting to quality jobs.
