September 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.
SWFL Equitable Jobs Pipeline Year 2 Update
Dr. Amir Borges Neto
Director
FGCU Regional Economic Research Institute
At the conclusion of the second year of our regional initiative to help job seekers in Southwest Florida get the credentials they need to secure good jobs in healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and PK-12 education, the Southwest Florida Equitable Jobs Pipeline is proud to say that nearly 1,750 job seekers have been recruited to the Pipeline for training and support; more than 30 new employers are dedicated collaborators within the Pipeline; and the Pipeline has provided nearly $3.6M in supporting funding to job seekers in areas including tuition, transportation, and childcare.
Pipeline lead partners Florida Gulf Coast University and FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory are currently working on ways to sustain the Pipeline when grant funds from the EDA’s Good Jobs Challenge are no longer available. And, expanding on the work of the Pipeline, FutureMakers has also been selected to participate in a three-year incubator to strengthen rural higher education and employment systems in Hendry and Glades counties.
Efforts of the Pipeline have gone beyond direct workforce training. Through the support of Pipeline, employers were offered a free workshop series to increase strategic recruitment, retention and promotion efforts; mental health and trauma-informed training were offered to community members and we continued to build lasting partnerships with state and local agencies offering critical services to Southwest Florida residents.
Pipeline lead partners Florida Gulf Coast University and FutureMakers Coalition at Collaboratory are currently working on ways to sustain the Pipeline when grant funds from the EDA’s Good Jobs Challenge are no longer available and we need your support and engagement to make that happen!
We thank everyone in our community who has supported the Pipeline and we welcome those who are ready to learn more.
Program Success Story
FGCU Advances Workforce Development through the SWFL Equitable Jobs Pipeline Program
After nearly two years as part of the SWFL Equitable Jobs Pipeline Program, Florida Gulf Coast University continues to make great strides in preparing the regional workforce for quality jobs in critical sectors like PK-12 public education and healthcare. This has been accomplished through collaboration and regional partnerships to develop and expand degree completion pathways and non-credit programs offered by the university.
Maximizing the talent of school district employees is critical for Southwest Florida as the need for teachers continues to grow. Since the bachelor’s degree completion opportunity for current regional school district employees began, more than seventy individuals have enrolled to finish their degree so they may obtain teacher certification. Recognizing the need to upskill and reskill reaches beyond teachers. FGCU also extended grant opportunities for Graduate Programs in the College of Education, non-credit courses for the ESOL endorsement, and a Paraprofessional Readiness certificate.
Under the EJP, Florida Gulf Coast University has provided over 300 individuals with support to complete non-credit programs in healthcare and education, and nearly 50 individuals have received industry certifications in logistics. Participants completing many of these certifications and micro-credentials also have the additional opportunity to interview with major regional employers like Lee Health upon successful completion of select digital badges and certifications, ensuring that individuals completing these programs are connected directly with regional employers who want to hire them.
EDA Good Jobs Challenge 2024 Quarter 2 Data Update
Partnership for Sustainability RFP Round 3 Closes September 30th!
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 for this last round: $389,000.00
Proposals will be accepted between August 15th-September 15th, awards being announced mid to end of October.
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
September 24th- Workforce with Unique Abilities Team
This team brings together partners to bring awareness to employers about the benefits of hiring working aged adults with unique abilities.
September 26th-Charlotte County Action Team
Employer partners, postsecondary institutions and community partners are invited to join the conversation to address the workforce and education needs of Charlotte County.
October 3rd-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.
October 9th- Resilience and Diversification Regional Action Team
This is the team focuses on the entrepreneurship mindset through out the workforce and education ladder.
October 15th- Aspiration and Preparation Regional Action Team
This is the team focuses on the PK-12 section of the workforce and education ladder.
October 24th- Access and Entry Regional Action Team
This is the team that focuses on addressing barriers to accessing and entering the post
